The lights at Toyota Stadium are back on tonight, as FC Dallas squares off with Nashville SC in what should be an early measuring-stick match. After last week’s chaos and goals, this one should feel a bit more tactical. Can Dallas dictate tempo at home, stay compact defensively, and pick the right moments to let Petar Musa and Logan Farrington cook?
Lineups are in from both sides. Let’s dive into what Eric Quill’s starting group looks like, who is on the bench and who we believe will see minutes later on in this one.
What Changed From Last Match
Only one change this week as Ramiro heads to the bench with Patrickson Delgado moving back into the lineup. There was a thought that Chris Cappis would start on the bench for this one after picking up a knock in last week’s game, but he’s ready to go tonight.
FC Dallas Lineup Notes:
Projected Starting XI
Formation: 3-4-3
LWB
Kamungo
CM
Kaick
CM
Cappis
RWB
Johansson
LCB
Ibeagha
CB
Urhoghide
RCB
C Moore
Bench
-
Brooks Thompson
GK - Lalas Abubakar DF
- Nolan Norris DF
- Ran Binyamin MF
- DeedsonMF
-
Ramiro
MF - Joaquin Valiente MF
- Anderson Julio FW
-
Sam Sarver
FW
Who should come off the bench?
Newcomer Joaquin Valiente is on the bench for the first time since joining the club. I have to think we’ll see him make his debut in this one. Hopefully, he can have a similar stellar debut against Nashville as another South American did a few years back (remember Alan Velasco’s debut anyone?).
Aside from him, I think we’ll also get Julio, Binyamin and Abubakar.
FC Dallas vs Nashville SC Preview: Lineups, Storylines & What to Watch
A full match preview for FC Dallas vs. Nashville SC in the 2026 MLS season, including key storylines, projected lineups, tactics, and what to watch.
Key Question Heading Into Kickoff
Can the Dallas defense hold off Nashville’s front three?
With names like Hany Muhktar, Sam Sturridge, and Cristian Espinoza leading the attack for Nashville, Dallas is going to be under a lot of pressure tonight. How they manage the crosses into the penalty area is going to be the key item here. Last week against Toronto, the play along the wings was a bit of a trouble area for Dallas, as the Reds got a lot of crosses into the penalty area. Nashville is much better up front than Toronto, so the defensive group in the back, along with Michael Collodi in goal, is going to need to command the penalty area better if they want to get out of this game with a positive result.
Availability Report
Suspended: none
Season-ending injury list: Kaka Scabin (knee)
Out: none
Questionable: Jonathan Sirois (head), Chris Cappis (leg)
On Loan: Tsiki Ntsabeleng (Mamelodi Sundowns FC), Enes Sali (Al-Riyadh), Malachi Molina (Nashville SC), Geovane Jesus (North Texas SC), Enzo Newman (North Texas SC)
Unavailable (off-roster): Daniel Baran, Jaidyn Contreras
International duty: none
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Nashville SC Lineup Notes:
Opponent Lineup
Formation: 4-4-2
Starting XI
- GK: Brian Schwake
- RB: Andy Najr
- CB: Daniel Lovitz
- CB: Jeisson Palacios
- LB: Maxwell Woledzi
- CM: Matthew Corcoran
- CM: Patrick Yazbek
- LW: Edvard Tagseth
- RW: Cristian Espinoza
- ST: Warren Madrigal
- ST: Hany Muhktar
How to watch
📅 Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
⚽️ Kickoff: 7:30 PM
🏟 Venue: Toyota Stadium
📺 Streaming: MLS Season Pass
💬 Gameday Social: #FCDvNAS
☀️ Weather: 78, breezy
