The 2026 Louisville City FC season is the club's twelfth season of competition. Louisville City competes in the USL Championship, the second tier of professional soccer in the United States.
Early onto the season, Louisville City underwent a notable coaching change. Danny Cruz, who had been the head coach of Louisville since 2021, left the club to join MLS club Minnesota United FC as an assistant coach. In replacement, his head assistant coach Simon Bird took over the reins.
Background The 2025 Louisville City season was the most dominant season in USL Championship history, with Louisville only losing one match the entire season. Despite this, Louisville City suffered a disappointing upset at home during the 2025 USL Championship playoffs, being eliminated at home by eighth seeded Detroit City FC.
Players and staff Current roster
Technical staff Simon Bird – Interim Head Coach Paolo DelPiccolo – Assistant Coach Scott Budnick – Goalkeeping Coach
Competitions USL Championship
Standings — Eastern Conference
Results summary On December 16, 2025, the USL Championship released the schedule for all 25 teams for both the regular season and the USL Cup.
All times in regular season on Eastern Daylight Time (UTC-04:00) unless otherwise noted
Match results
USL Cup
Louisville City are participating in the third edition of the USL Cup, the second edition to feature teams from both the USL Championship and League One.
Standings
Group stage
Knockouts
U.S. Open Cup
By qualifying for the 2025 USL Championship playoffs, Louisville City qualified to play in a compacted US Open Cup format for the 2026 season, entering the tournament at home against amateur club Southern Indiana FC of the United Premier Soccer League. Following a comfortable victory at home, Louisville City were matched up in a Commonwealth Cup derby away in Lexington against fellow USL Championship club Lexington SC.
After winning away in Lexington, Louisville City were matched up against first-division club Austin FC of Major League Soccer at home. Despite being the lower-division club, Louisville City managed to achieve an upset against the MLS club. Following their Round of 32 victory, Lou City were matched up away against another MLS club, the Houston Dynamo FC, who they'd eventually lose to in added extra time.
References
External links Louisville City