D.C. United has revealed that Palm Springs, California, will host the Black-and-Red’s preseason matches, highlighting its sunny scenery as the perfect backdrop to prepare for the 2026 MLS Regular Season home opener against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Audi Field. Following a brief training stop in Los Angeles from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2, the team will head to Palm Springs for the much-anticipated 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational from Feb. 7 to Feb. 14.
The players have already reported to the Performance Complex in Leesburg, Virginia, and will train locally before traveling to Los Angeles for their first preseason camp on Jan. 28. The team will train at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles before traveling to Palm Springs on Feb. 2 to continue its preseason training and participate in the Coachella Valley Invitational.
D.C. United will train at Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, and continue its preparation for the start of the 2026 MLS season with two matches at the Coachella Valley Invitational. They’ll kick things off against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 5:30 p.m. ET, then follow it up with a matchup against Minnesota United FC on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 3:30 p.m. ET for their second CIV game.
The tean will end its preseason camp with a final exhibition match against St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday, Feb. 14. The match will be closed to the public. Following the match, D.C. United will return to Washington, D.C. and continue their preparation for the 2026 Home Opener on Feb. 21 against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field at 7:30 p.m. ET.
This exciting preseason stretch gives fans a unique opportunity to not only watch D.C. United in action but also experience everything Palm Springs has to offer—including its celebrated mid-century modern vibe, famed golf courses, and storied Hollywood connections.
For fans traveling from the DC area, there is a convenient nonstop flight from Dulles (IAD) to Palm Springs via United.
D.C. United 2026 Preseason Schedule
Saturday, Feb. 7
Coachella Valley Invitational match against the Portland Timbers | Empire Polo Club | 5:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Feb. 11
Coachella Valley Invitational match against Minnesota United FC | Empire Polo Club | 3:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, Feb. 14
Exhibition match against St. Louis CITY SC | Empire Polo Club | TBD | Closed to the public
The complete 2026 D.C. United MLS schedule is available at dcunited.com/schedule, and information about memberships and how to purchase single-match tickets is available at dcunited.com/tickets.
