Coaching Changes

Sporting Kansas City part ways with head coach Raphael Wicky

26MLS_Coach_SportingKC-Wicky

Sporting Kansas City have parted ways with head coach Raphael Wicky, the club announced Monday.

The decision comes two days after Sporting KC finished the 2026 regular season last in the Western Conference standings and 29th in the Supporters' Shield table (26 points). They missed the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in the last five years.

"We would like to thank Raphael for his time at Sporting KC," said president of soccer operations and general manager David Lee.

"The 2026 season has been challenging for many reasons, and we recognize that Rapha and his staff worked incredibly hard in difficult circumstances. After a review of the season, Rapha and I met, and I decided to make the change. We wish Rapha the best of luck in the future."

Wicky was named head coach in January 2026, becoming Sporting KC's first full-time head coach since they parted ways with longtime manager Peter Vermes in March 2025.

He previously coached Swiss Super League giants Basel and Young Boys, as well as the Chicago Fire from 2020-21.

Under Wicky, SKC posted a 7W-23L-5D record across all competitions. In addition to Wicky, assistant coaches Edu Rubio and Ash Wallace will also not return in 2027.