The road to silverware officially begins for FC Cincinnati as we kick off the 2026 season with a full preseason recap, kit review, and season predictions. We break down matches against Brooklyn FC and Orlando City SC, highlighting encouraging attacking moments, lingering defensive questions, and key lineup experiments. We also give our in-person thoughts on the new Seven Hills Kit, discuss mixed fan and media reactions, touch on roster rumors and depth concerns, and preview a massive opening week featuring the Concacaf Champions Cup opener vs O&M FC and MLS Matchday 1 against Atlanta United, along with full competition and award predictions for the year ahead.

Favian Renkel joins us to lead the big-picture MLS season preview while we also break down FC Cincinnati’s first preseason win, a 1–0 result over Detroit City that raised as many questions as answers. Denkey stayed reliable from the spot, Bryan Ramirez made an encouraging first impression after joining the squad, and FCC showed some intriguing tactical looks that could point to a dual-playmaker setup or Evander pushing into a false 9 role — though final-third creativity is still a concern. Heavy rotation gave us a peek at depth battles across the roster, and off the field, the leaked 2026 kit has fans split, sparking another debate about club identity and whether orange should finally take center stage.

FC Cincinnati played to a 1–1 draw with Houston Dynamo in preseason match No. 2, leaving mixed feelings about progress versus preseason illusion. A rotated lineup struggled early under pressure, but Denkey stayed in form — first with a bicycle kick called offside, then scoring by capitalizing on a defensive mistake. The second-half group created chances, including a strong look from Bucha, yet FCC conceded late again in the 88th minute. Roman Celentano and Pat Noonan both pointed to gradual tactical growth, especially in building out from the back and testing midfield partnerships, but issues remain with handling pressure and creating consistently in the final third. Denkey’s form is a bright spot, Evander’s influence is still developing, and Miazga’s absence is noticeable, while Jabbari was held out and younger players continue to develop. Off the field, FCC are reportedly adding Liverpool goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek on loan, the club has launched a partnership with FC Porto, FCC2 signed Mathias Vazquez, and Cincinnati was ranked fifth among MLS teams most likely to win Champions Cup. Preseason continues February 7 against Detroit City FC.

FC Cincinnati’s preseason comes with major uncertainty as European reports link Kévin Denkey to Napoli, forcing the club to consider a potential blockbuster sale just weeks before the season while already adjusting to Brenner’s exit. On the field, FCC showed encouraging structure in a 105-minute preseason draw with New England, with Denkey scoring, strong early buildup, and heavy rotations aimed at fitness and tactical evaluation ahead of Champions Cup play. Pat Noonan emphasized higher expectations and experimentation, with injury updates on key players, while the club also added winger Bryan Ramírez, made loan and roster moves, and kept an eye on wider MLS news—making it a busy stretch both on and off the pitch.

FC Cincinnati’s offseason finally kicked into gear with the signings of Tom Barlow and Kristian Fletcher, adding much-needed depth and upside to the attack. We break down what Barlow brings as a high-work-rate, big-bodied striker and why Fletcher is an intriguing buy-low move as he works back from ACL surgery. We also react to Luca Orellano’s multi-million dollar transfer to Monterrey and the latest on Bryan Ramirez, who is reportedly in Cincinnati with visa issues delaying his official announcement. Chris Albright’s comments on Jabbari being signed as a starter, the midfield being set, and the backline still needing work spark a larger roster conversation. We dive into the full preseason schedule in Florida, key dates leading into the season, and what the early calendar looks like with Concacaf and MLS openers. Plus, we cover the Paul Walters loan, new player numbers, FCC2 signings, and around-the-league MLS news to get you fully caught up heading into preseason.

We break down FCC’s long-awaited roster movement with the signings of hometown veteran Kyle Smith and 16-year-old Homegrown Ademar Chavez, react to Bryan Ramírez’s near-complete move from LDU Quito, and dive into the latest twists in the Luca Orellano saga. We also analyze how the roster is shaping up ahead of preseason, what’s still needed before the season and CCC begin, and where another striker or defensive help could fit, plus touch on FCC2 updates, former FCC players, some wild national media takes, and around-the-league MLS chaos — all while thanking everyone who took part in the 615 Soccer survey and continues to support our coverage.

FC Cincinnati’s offseason remains unsettled, headlined by the unresolved Luca Orellano saga — from Monterrey’s rejected bid and reports of agreed personal terms to stalled negotiations influenced by the 30% sell-on clause owed to Vasco da Gama. With his future unclear, FCC have emerged as favorites to sign Bryan Ramirez, a 25-year-old LDU Quito winger viewed as a potential replacement despite mixed reports on fit, while also exploring depth moves like 19-year-old striker Mathias Vazquez as an FCC2 option. We also zoom out to the broader strategy, including cap flexibility, the need for a left wingback, and uncertainty at center back with Teenage Hadebe and Matt Miazga, plus other headlines such as Brenner’s possible return to Brazil, Hadebe’s AFCON and knee update, the SuperDraft selection of Ayoub Lajhar, the addition of FCC2 forward Michael Sullivan, and the club’s search for a set piece coach — raising the question of whether one key decision is holding up the rest of the offseason.

Carter Chapley breaks down the latest FC Cincinnati news heading into the 2026 offseason, including Dominic Kinnear’s departure, Ayoub Jabbari’s permanent signing, and Alvas Powell’s return. We discuss Brenner’s loan ending, Chris Albright’s roster comments and interest in Luca Orellano, plus the ongoing Álvaro Barreal–Santos transfer situation.

We also cover Teenage Hadebe’s Zimbabwe call-up, FC Cincinnati’s MLS SuperDraft outlook, and what it all means for the club’s roster and direction this offseason.