Marc Dos Santos Appointed as Head Coach of LAFC for the 2026 MLS Season
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) has appointed Marc Dos Santos as the new head coach for the upcoming 2026 Major League Soccer season. Dos Santos, a Canadian native, previously served as an assistant coach under Steve Cherundolo and Bob Bradley. He brings a wealth of coaching experience, having led the Vancouver Whitecaps from 2019-2021.
Dos Santos expressed his excitement and honor to lead LAFC, emphasizing the club's strong foundation and ambitious culture. His appointment marks the second time LAFC has promoted a head coach from within, following Cherundolo's elevation from the Las Vegas Lights in 2022. Dos Santos' coaching background includes success in the North American Soccer League and various coaching roles in Canada and Brazil.
LAFC's ownership group believes Dos Santos is the right person to guide the team to new heights. Lead managing owner Bennett Rosenthal highlighted Dos Santos' qualities as a coach and person, emphasizing his ability to bring out the best in the team and deliver performances that fans can be proud of. The club's expectations remain ambitious, and Dos Santos is seen as a key figure in achieving those goals.
Ante Razov, a long-time coach with LAFC, also vied for the head coach position but was ultimately passed over in favor of Dos Santos. The composition of Dos Santos' coaching staff has yet to be announced, but the club is confident in his ability to uphold LAFC's style of play and collaborative culture. General manager John Thorrington praised Dos Santos' relationships with players and his passion for the club, highlighting his potential to elevate the team's performance and push them towards excellence.
In conclusion, LAFC has entrusted Marc Dos Santos with the responsibility of leading the team in the upcoming MLS season. With his coaching experience and understanding of the club's values, Dos Santos is poised to build on LAFC's success and drive the team towards achieving their full potential on and off the pitch.