Toronto FC kicks off its 20th Major League Soccer season tonight, 21 February 2026, with a challenging away fixture against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. As the Reds look to move past a disappointing 2025 campaign and end a six-year playoff drought, all eyes are on a revamped roster featuring high-profile new arrivals.
The match, scheduled for 8:30 PM ET (7:30 PM local time), marks the debut of United States international forward Josh Sargent, who joined Toronto FC from Norwich City in a landmark $20 million transfer just days ago. Sargent is expected to lead the line alongside fellow newcomer Matheus Pereira, while fan-favourite Raheem Edwards returns to the squad after being claimed off waivers earlier this week.
Head-to-Head and Venue History
Historically, Toyota Stadium has been a difficult hunting ground for the Canadians. FC Dallas holds the upper hand in the all-time series with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses. Recent trends favour the hosts; in their last three home meetings against Toronto, Dallas has remained unbeaten (2W-1D-0L). Overall, across 24 historical meetings since 2007, Dallas has secured 12 victories compared to Toronto’s 6.
Match Outlook and Betting Odds
Bookmakers and analysts are leaning toward a narrow home victory or a hard-fought draw. FC Dallas enters the match as the favourite at +130, while a Toronto FC upset is priced at +238. The draw is currently sitting at +250.
| Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | 21 February 2026 |
| Kickoff Time | 8:30 PM ET / 5:30 PM PT |
| Venue | Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas |
| Broadcast | Apple TV – MLS Season Pass |
Key Storylines
- The Sargent Era: Toronto’s $20 million investment in Josh Sargent signals a “win-now” mentality for the front office. Tonight will be the first test of his chemistry with the existing midfield.
- Defensive Stability: Both clubs struggled defensively in 2025. FC Dallas head coach Peter Quill has stated his squad is “ready to be winners,” emphasizing a more disciplined tactical approach for the 2026 opener.
- The Musa Factor: For Dallas, striker Petar Musa remains the primary threat. Analysts suggest that if Dallas is to establish an attacking identity early, it will likely run through Musa’s hold-up play.
Toronto FC supporters can watch the match live on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass, with local radio coverage provided by TSN 1050 in the Greater Toronto Area.