The Philadelphia Union's 2026 roster decisions are here, and they're already sparking conversations among fans. But here's where it gets interesting: with 24 players currently under contract, the club is strategically shaping its future while navigating some high-stakes negotiations. Let’s break it down in a way that even newcomers to the soccer scene can follow.
The Confirmed Squad: The Union has officially exercised contract options for Tai Baribo and Nathan Harriel, solidifying their spots alongside 22 other players whose contracts were already locked in for next season. This group includes familiar names like Andre Blake, Jakob Glesnes, and Kai Wagner, who form the backbone of the team. And this is the part most people miss: the club recently secured midfielder Indiana Vassilev on a new deal and retained defender Olwethu Makhanya by exercising his option, quietly bolstering key positions.
The Negotiation Table: Now, here’s where things get a bit controversial. The Union is in active talks with four players whose contracts have expired: Alejandro Bedoya, Ben Bender, George Marks, and Mikael Uhre. Bedoya, a fan favorite and long-time leader, has been a cornerstone of the team, but his future remains uncertain. Bold question: Is it time for the Union to transition to younger talent, or is Bedoya’s experience still invaluable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The Departures: Not everyone made the cut. The club declined options for Chris Donovan, Isaiah LeFlore, Nicholas Pariano, and Oliver Semmle, marking the end of their current stints with the team. While these decisions are tough, they’re part of the natural cycle of professional sports.
The Full 2026 Roster (So Far): Here’s the complete list of players under contract, organized by position for clarity:
- Goalkeepers (2): Andre Blake, Andrew Rick
- Defenders (7): Jakob Glesnes, Nathan Harriel, Olwethu Makhanya, Olivier Mbaizo, Neil Pierre, Kai Wagner, Frankie Westfield
- Midfielders (9): Jesus Bueno, Danley Jean-Jacques, Jovan Lukic, CJ Olney, Jeremy Rafanello, Cavan Sullivan, Quinn Sullivan, Indiana Vassilev, David Vazquez*
- Forwards (6): Markus Anderson, Tai Baribo, Bruno Damiani, Eddy Davis III, Milan Iloski, Sal Olivas
Speaking of Vazquez, there’s a twist: San Diego FC has until November 30, 2025, to decide if they’ll permanently acquire him. *Will he stay or will he go?** Another layer of intrigue to keep an eye on.
Final Thoughts: The Union’s 2026 roster is taking shape, but the story is far from over. With negotiations ongoing and key decisions pending, this offseason promises to be anything but dull. What moves would you make if you were in charge? Share your roster predictions and hot takes below—let’s keep the debate going!
