Sporting KC Parts Ways With Head Coach Raphaël Wicky

Sporting KC Parts Ways With Head Coach Raphaël Wicky

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“The 2026 season has been challenging for many reasons, and we recognize that Rapha and his staff worked incredibly hard in difficult circumstances,” said David Lee, Sporting KC’s president of soccer operations and general manager.

Sporting Kansas City announced Monday that they have parted ways with head coach Raphaël Wicky, according to a report from MLSSoccer.com.

The decision follows a season in which the club finished last in the Western Conference standings and 29th in the Supporters’ Shield table. The team earned just 26 points during the 2026 campaign.

This marks the third season that Sporting KC has missed the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, and the fourth time the club has failed to qualify in the last five years.

Wicky took the helm in January 2026. His appointment made him the first full-time head coach for the club since the departure of longtime manager Peter Vermes in March 2025.

The transition period proved difficult on the pitch. Under Wicky’s leadership, the club posted a record of 7 wins, 23 losses, and 5 draws across all competitions.

Following a review of the season, Lee met with Wicky to finalize the change. “After a review of the season, Rapha and I met, and I decided to make the change,” Lee said.

The coaching overhaul extends beyond the head position. Assistant coaches Edu Rubio and Ash Wallace will also not return to the club for the 2027 season.

Metric 2026 Season Totals
Total Points 26
Wins 7
Losses 23
Draws 5
Conference Standing Last (Western Conference)
Supporters’ Shield Standing 29th

Before arriving in Kansas City, Wicky coached in the Swiss Super League with Basel and Young Boys. He also held a coaching role with the Chicago Fire from 2020 to 2021.

The club expressed well wishes for the outgoing staff, with Lee stating, “We wish Rapha the best of luck in the future.”

The club now faces the task of rebuilding a roster that has struggled to maintain its previous competitive standards in the Western Conference.

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