New York City Football Club
New York City FC (NYCFC) is a Major League SoccerMLSMajor League Soccer (MLS) is a top-flight professional soccer league comprising clubs in the United States and Canada. Play began in 1996, and the league has 30 clubs divided between Eastern and Western Conferences in 2026.Open the full entry club representing New York City. Awarded its franchise in 2013, it began MLS play in 2015 and won the 2021 MLS Cup.
Contents17 sections
Key facts
May 2013MLS franchise awarded
New York City FC became the 20th MLS franchise on May 21, 2013. City Football Group holds the majority interest, with the New York Yankees as a minority owner.[1]
June 2014David Villa becomes the first signing
On June 2, 2014, the club announced David Villa as its first signing, arriving from Atlético Madrid. He also became its first captain.[2]
March 2015MLS debut
NYCFC made its MLS debut against Orlando on March 8, 2015. Yankee Stadium was its inaugural home, and its academy opened that year.[1]
2016First playoff appearance
Villa scored 23 goals in 2016, led New York City to its first MLS playoffs and won the league’s Most Valuable Player award.[2]
November 2018Villa departure announced
On November 28, 2018, the club announced that Villa would leave when his contract expired at year-end. He had scored 80 goals in 124 MLS appearances for New York City.[2]
December 2021First MLS Cup title
On December 11, 2021, Ronny Deila led New York City into its first MLS Cup final at Providence Park in Portland. After a 1–1 draw with the Portland TimbersPortland TimbersPortland Timbers is a professional soccer club in Portland, Oregon. Awarded an MLS franchise in 2009, it began league play in 2011 and plays at Providence Park.Open the full entry through extra time, NYCFC won the shootout 4–2. Sean Johnson saved two penalties and Alexander Callens converted the decisive kick.[3]
September 2022Campeones Cup victory
On September 14, 2022, New York City won the Campeones Cup by beating Mexican club Atlas 2–0 at Yankee Stadium. Callens scored in the fourth minute and Maxi Moralez in the 49th.[4]
September 2024Updated club badge
On September 9, 2024, NYCFC unveiled an updated badge with a thicker NYC monogram and blue-and-orange outer rings. Its lettering draws on early New York subway tile signage. A wider rollout was planned for the 2025 season.[5]
December 2024New stadium construction begins
Construction of Etihad Park began in Willets Point, Queens, in December 2024. The 25,000-seat soccer stadium is being privately financed by the club.[6]
January 2025Pascal Jansen appointed head coach
On January 6, 2025, NYCFC appointed Pascal Jansen as head coach on a contract through 2028, subject to a U.S. work permit. He had previously managed Ferencváros and AZ Alkmaar.[7]
November 2025Defeat in the Eastern Conference final
On November 29, 2025, New York City lost 5–1 away to Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference final, ending its playoff run. Justin Haak scored NYCFC’s goal in the 37th minute.[8]
2026Two regular-season home venues in New York
In 2026, NYCFC continued to stage MLS home matches at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and Citi Field in Queens. Its schedule also listed Leagues Cup fixtures at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.[9]
March 19, 2026Sprint Season venue plans
On March 19, 2026, the club confirmed that it would use Yankee Stadium and Citi Field for the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with Etihad Park planned to open for the 2027–28 season.[10]
March 25, 2026Etihad Park structural frame completed
On March 25, 2026, the final steel beam was installed at Etihad Park, completing its structural frame. The club said construction remained on schedule for the stadium to open in the 2027–28 season.[6]
September 2026Final home fixtures confirmed
On September 16, 2026, NYCFC announced that its regular-season home matches against LAFCLos Angeles Football ClubLos Angeles Football Club (LAFC) are a Major League Soccer club whose regular home is BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. The club won its first MLS Cup in 2022.Open the full entry on October 17, Atlanta United on October 28 and CF MontréalCF MontréalCF Montréal is a professional soccer club in Montreal, Canada, competing in MLS and playing at Stade Saputo.Open the full entry on October 31 would all take place at Citi Field. The LAFC match was moved forward from November 4.[11]
Related Organizations, Websites, and Public Accounts
New York City Football Club: Official website: https://www.newyorkcityfc.com/ (opens in a new window).[12]
Sources
- New York City FC (opens in a new window)
- #VillaForever | David Villa Departs New York City Football Club | New York City FC (opens in a new window)
- Match Recap | Portland Timbers 1-1 NYCFC - NYCFC Wins 4-2 on PKs | New York City FC (opens in a new window)
- Campeones Cup champs! NYCFC knock off Atlas FC, 2-0 | MLSSoccer.com (opens in a new window)
- New York City FC unveil updated club badge | MLSSoccer.com (opens in a new window)
- New York City FC Installs Final Steel Beam at Etihad Park on Schedule, Completing the Structural Frame of New York City’s First-Ever Soccer-Specific Stadium | New York City FC (opens in a new window)
- New York City FC Appoints Pascal Jansen as Head Coach | New York City FC (opens in a new window)
- Match Recap | Inter Miami CF 5-1 New York City FC | New York City FC (opens in a new window)
- New York City FC — 2026 Schedule (opens in a new window)
- 2027 MLS Sprint Season to Launch Major League Soccer’s Transition into New Era | New York City FC (opens in a new window)
- New York City FC Announce Schedule Updates for Final Regular Season Home Matches | New York City FC (opens in a new window)
- New York City FC (opens in a new window)