Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) kicks off its competitive calendar for 2026 with a challenging away match against Real Club Deportivo España in the first round of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. The match is set for February 17 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Estadio Francisco Morazán in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, marking LAFC’s second-ever trip to Central America.
This encounter serves as LAFC’s first competitive match of the year, following a series of six preseason friendlies against teams from Germany, the U.S., and Mexico. LAFC will host the second leg of this two-match aggregate series at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on February 24, also at 7:00 p.m. PT.
Having reached the Western Conference semifinals last season, LAFC returns nearly its entire roster, bolstered by the significant contributions of Korean star Son Heung-Min, who joined the club last August. He and fellow forward Denis Bouanga, a three-time MLS All-Star, formed a potent partnership that helped secure 25 goals and eight assists together in the latter part of the previous season.
Recent head coach Marc Dos Santos, who previously served as an assistant for four seasons, is eager to implement his strategies in this critical matchup. Under his guidance, LAFC aims to build on its impressive record, including an MLS Cup and a U.S. Open Cup victory in recent years.
Real España: A Formidable Opponent
Real España, nicknamed Los Aurinegros (the Gold and Blacks), boasts a rich history in Honduran football, having won the Liga Nacional title 12 times. The club secured its place in the Champions Cup by reaching the semifinals of the 2025 Central American Cup. Currently, they lead the Liga Nacional Clausura standings and remain unbeaten in their last six league matches.
In their latest match on February 14, Real España defeated CD Choloma 2-1, with goals from defender Daniel Aparicio and center forward Eddie Hernandez. With a solid defensive record, conceding only five goals in their last six games, they will present a tough challenge for LAFC.
Key Players to Watch
This matchup features two seasoned goalkeepers, both of whom have World Cup experience. LAFC’s Hugo Lloris, a two-time World Cup finalist and 2018 champion, is the club’s all-time leader in wins and clean sheets. In contrast, Real España’s Luis “Buba” Lopez, a former LAFC player on loan in 2018, has over 50 caps for the Honduran national team and is known for his shot-stopping ability.
LAFC’s offensive lineup includes not only Son and Bouanga but also promising talents like Nathan Ordaz and David Martínez, both of whom made significant contributions in the previous season. Ordaz and Martínez were recognized in the Top 10 of MLS’s annual 22 Under 22 list, showcasing their potential impact on the field.
Match Implications
The aggregate winner of this two-leg series will advance to face Costa Rican club Alajuelense in the Round of 16, scheduled for mid-March. As LAFC gears up for the match, they are also preparing for the start of the MLS regular season, which kicks off on March 21 against Inter Miami.
With a packed schedule that includes four matches in just 12 days, LAFC has strengthened its roster in anticipation of the demanding season ahead. New additions include midfielders Stephen Eustáquio and Amin Boudri, and forwards Tyler Boyd and Jacob Shaffelburg, further enhancing their attacking options.
This opening match in the Concacaf Champions Cup sets the stage for an exciting season. Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams vie for an early advantage in this prestigious tournament.
As LAFC looks to establish momentum in their campaign, they will need to be vigilant against a resilient Real España side that thrives on home support and defensive organization. The atmosphere at Estadio Francisco Morazán is expected to be electric, with local fans eager to see their team succeed.
For those unable to attend the match, it will be broadcasted live on FS2, TUDN, ConcacafGO, One Soccer (Canada), and Coupang Play (Korea).
the upcoming matches will be pivotal for both LAFC and Real España as they embark on their respective journeys in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Fans are encouraged to follow the action and share their thoughts as the tournament unfolds.
