Orlando City has initiated the first coaching change of the 2026 MLS season by parting ways with long-standing head coach Oscar Pareja, just three matches into the new campaign.
Pareja, who began his tenure with Orlando in 2020, witnessed his team suffer three consecutive defeats at the start of the 2026 season.
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Most recently, Orlando suffered a 5-0 defeat to New York City FC on Saturday.
In their statement, Orlando confirmed that the club and Pareja mutually agreed to terminate his contract, with assistant coach Martín Perelman stepping in as the interim head coach.
“I want to extend my gratitude to Oscar for the commitment, leadership, and professionalism he brought to our organization,” said Orlando City general manager and sporting director Ricardo Moreira.
“He provided one of the most significant moments in Orlando City’s history by winning the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and helped lay the competitive groundwork that has spurred us on, marked by our record-setting streak of six consecutive playoff appearances, which is currently the longest in MLS,” Moreira added.
The 2022 U.S. Open Cup was Orlando’s inaugural trophy since joining MLS in 2015, and Pareja also led the team to its first playoff appearance in 2020.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Club’s players, staff, and supporters for the trust they placed in me throughout the years,” Pareja said.
“We have shared unforgettable moments. While this is a pivotal time for both myself and the Club to explore new paths, I depart with pride in our efforts and sincere gratitude for those who contributed to our success.”
“Orlando will always hold a special place in my heart, and I wish the team all the best in the future.”
Pareja, originally from Colombia, has previously coached FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids in MLS, as well as managing Tijuana in Liga MX.
Orlando City’s next match is against CF Montréal on Saturday.