FC Dallas Hosts Houston Dynamo in Texas Derby Showdown
FC Dallas will host the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Stadium in Frisco for the first Texas Derby meeting of 2026. Both clubs arrive in positive form after dramatic results earlier in the season.
Recent form and standings
Dallas salvaged a 3-3 draw after twice recovering from two-goal deficits against San Diego. Petar Musa scored a hat trick in that match.
Houston claimed a late home victory over Portland with a stoppage-time winner fifteen minutes into second-half added time. The Dynamo sit on six points, while Dallas has five.
In 2025 each side won on the road. Dallas won the season opener at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston recorded a rare win at Toyota Stadium in Frisco.
Projected lineups
FC Dallas
Head coach Eric Quill is expected to use a high-pressing 3-4-3 look. That shape follows the system used to trouble San Diego.
- Petar Musa leads the attack and is the main scoring outlet.
- Kaick and Joaquin Valiente are likely to operate as attacking midfielders.
- Cappis and Ramiro would hold midfield duties.
- Kamungo and Johansson should occupy their strong wingback sides.
- Logan Farrington may start on the bench.
- Osaze Urhoghide was questionable last week with a groin concern.
- Norris, Ibeagha and Moore formed the center-back pairing against San Diego.
Houston Dynamo
Ben Olsen has leaned on a three-at-the-back structure. The Dynamo used that shape in their comeback win over Portland.
- Duane Holmes has been used as a makeshift right-back.
- Jack McGlynn will pull strings in midfield with a creative left foot.
- Samssekou is expected in a defensive midfield role.
- Lawrence Ennali provides pace on the right flank.
- Forward options include Mateus Bogusz, DP Guilherme, and DP Ezequiel Ponce.
- Houston has played three matches so far this season.
- The LAFC game skewed their possession statistics, due to playing with nine men for a spell.
Keys to three points for Dallas
Feed Petar Musa
Musa scored three goals in the San Diego game. He has five of Dallas’ six goals this season.
He became the first player in club history with two MLS regular-season hat tricks. Dallas must get him service.
Minimize space for Jack McGlynn
McGlynn is a creative left-footed midfielder capable of long-range strikes. Dallas must deny him time and space.
Ramiro, Cappis and midfield partners must track McGlynn tightly. Quick pressure will limit his chances to create.
Maintain concentration until the final whistle
Houston has two wins from second-half comebacks this season. Their recent winner came deep into stoppage time.
Temperatures are forecast to be very warm near kickoff. Dallas must remain focused through the final minutes.
Filmogaz.com will provide coverage and updates for this Texas Derby showdown at Toyota Stadium. Stay tuned for match-day analysis.
