WASHINGTON (Oct. 15, 2025) - D.C. United will participate in the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, from February 7–21, 2026. The preseason event, operated by AEG, brings together a number of Major League Soccer (MLS) and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) clubs for what has become the premier preseason soccer event in North America.
As one of the first major soccer events leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, the Coachella Valley Invitational offers players, coaches, and fans a world-class environment to prepare for an exciting year ahead. The Black-and-Red will join a competitive group of MLS clubs for preseason matches and training sessions in California, with additional details about D.C. United’s preseason schedule to be announced at a later date.
“The Coachella Valley Invitational provides MLS and NWSL clubs an incredible setting to prepare for their upcoming seasons,” said Dan Beckerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AEG. “Through Goldenvoice and the LA Galaxy, we’re proud to transform one of the world’s most iconic festival sites into a showcase for the sport, the players, and the fans.”
Passes for all event dates will go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT at www.coachellavalleyinvitational.com.
“CVI is Back” pricing for General Admission Day Passes will start at $30, and pricing for General Admission Weekend Passes (Feb. 7–8 and Feb. 14–15) will start at $59. All General Admission prices will increase once the match schedule is released later this year. VIP Passes include preferred parking, access to the VIP Pavilion with lounge seating, unlimited food and refreshments (beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic options), VIP restrooms, and shaded seating.
In addition to providing world-class facilities and ideal weather for preseason training, CVI offers fans a unique opportunity to watch some of MLS and NWSL’s most talented players and rising stars up close. Throughout the two-week event, attendees can expect immersive fan experiences, activations, and access to matches that bring supporters closer to the action.
“The Coachella Valley Invitational offers our clubs a world-class environment to prepare for the season, and our fans an up-close look at how teams are developing and training,” said Tatjana Haenni, Chief Sporting Director for the National Women’s Soccer League. “It’s a chance to fine-tune tactics, integrate new players, and build excitement for another great year of NWSL action.”
New to CVI this year, the Denver Summit will make their first-ever NWSL appearance ahead of their inaugural season, while the Kansas City Current, Utah Royals, and North Carolina Courage will also make their tournament debuts. On the MLS side, Atlanta United FC will participate for the first time.
“The Coachella Valley Invitational has quickly become one of soccer’s premier preseason events,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “AEG’s ability to deliver world-class experiences gives MLS clubs an incredible place to compete, train, and connect with fans in a setting unlike any other.”
MLS clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:
• Austin FC
• Atlanta United (TBC)
• Charlotte FC
• Chicago Fire FC
• D.C. United
• LAFC
• Minnesota United FC
• New York City FC
• New York Red Bulls (TBC)
• Portland Timbers
• San Diego FC
• San Jose Earthquakes
• Sporting Kansas City
• St. Louis CITY SC
NWSL clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:
• Angel City FC (TBC)
• Bay FC (TBC)
• Denver Summit
• Houston Dash (TBC)
• Kansas City Current (TBC)
• NC Courage (TBC)
• Portland Thorns
• San Diego Wave
• Seattle Reign
• Utah Royals (TBC)
EVENT SCHEDULE – Passes and Ticket Packages Available Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT
MLS DAY 1: Saturday, Feb. 7
MLS DAY 2: Sunday, Feb. 8
MLS DAY 3: Wednesday, Feb. 11
MLS DAY 4: Saturday, Feb. 14
NWSL DAY 1: Sunday, Feb. 15
NWSL DAY 2: Saturday, Feb. 21
With more than 250 acres of lush gardens and pristine polo fields, Empire Polo Club stands among the premier venues for outdoor sporting events and major entertainment gatherings. In addition to hosting the world-renowned Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival, the site’s fields are operated by Goldenvoice, the Los Angeles-based concert promoter and live event company owned by AEG Presents.
Fans are encouraged to sign up at www.coachellavalleyinvitational.com for event updates and ticketing information, and to follow @coachellavalleyinvitational on Instagram for the latest news and behind-the-scenes content.
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