Orlando City Parts Ways with Head Coach Oscar Pareja: A New Chapter Begins in the 2026 MLS Season
Orlando City has made a significant move in the MLS season by parting ways with head coach Oscar Pareja after a disappointing start to the 2026 campaign. Pareja, who had been in charge since 2020, oversaw three consecutive defeats at the beginning of the season, with the most recent loss being a 5-0 defeat to New York City FC. The club announced that they had mutually agreed to separate, with assistant coach MartÃn Perelman stepping in as the interim coach.
Orlando City's general manager and sporting director, Ricardo Moreira, expressed his gratitude to Pareja for his dedication and leadership during his tenure. Pareja's time at the club included winning the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, which was a significant achievement for Orlando City. He also led the team to six consecutive playoff appearances, the longest streak in MLS currently. The 2022 US Open Cup victory was the club's first trophy since joining MLS in 2015.
In a statement, Pareja thanked the players, staff, and supporters of Orlando City for their trust and support throughout his time at the club. The decision to part ways with Pareja marks a new chapter for Orlando City as they look to regroup and move forward in the 2026 season.