COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew will open their 2026 MLS campaign this Saturday when they host the Portland Timbers at Scotts MiracleGrow Field, marking a new chapter for the reigning Eastern Conference contenders under fresh leadership.
After Wilfried Nancy’s offseason departure to manage abroad, the Crew enter the season guided by new head coach Henrik Rydström, a Swedish tactician known for his attacking philosophy and emphasis on possession. Rydström, who previously led Swedish club Hammarby IF, has spent preseason retooling the Crew’s system while keeping much of last year’s competitive core intact.
Adding to the new dynamic, Columbus will also take the field with a new captain, whose identity Rydström confirmed earlier this week but has yet to reveal publicly before Saturday’s opener. The change follows the exit of longtime captain Darlington Nagbe in December, ending a five-year run marked by consistency and leadership.
Despite the turnover, optimism remains high in Columbus after the club’s deep playoff runs in recent seasons and the continued presence of key players such as Cucho Hernández and Aidan Morris. Rydström said the team is focused on balancing continuity with evolution.
“This is a group that already knows how to win,” Rydström told reporters Wednesday. “My job is to bring new energy and ideas without losing what made them strong in the first place.”
