Orlando City has initiated the first coaching change of the MLS season, announcing on Wednesday the departure of long-time head coach Oscar Pareja just three matches into the new 2026 season.
Pareja, who assumed leadership of Orlando prior to the 2020 season, has overseen three consecutive losses to start 2026.
Orlando’s most recent defeat was a 5-0 loss to New York City FC on Saturday.
The club stated that both the organization and the coach had mutually decided to part ways, with assistant coach Martín Perelman stepping in as interim head coach.
“I want to express my gratitude to Oscar for the commitment, leadership, and professionalism he brought to our club,” said Orlando City general manager and sporting director Ricardo Moreira in a statement.
“He provided one of the most pivotal moments in Orlando City’s history with the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and helped lay the competitive groundwork that has driven us forward, underscored by our ongoing club-record streak of six consecutive playoff appearances, which is currently the longest in MLS.”
The 2022 US Open Cup marked Orlando’s first trophy since joining MLS in 2015. Pareja also guided Orlando to the MLS playoffs for the first time in 2020.
“I want to convey my heartfelt thanks to the Club’s players, staff, and supporters for the confidence they’ve placed in me over these past several years,” Pareja stated.
“Together, we experienced moments that will remain with me forever. While it is the appropriate time for both myself and the Club to pursue new paths, I depart with pride in the work we accomplished and with profound appreciation for those who made it possible.
“Orlando will always hold a unique place in my heart, and I wish the team nothing but success moving forward.”
Colombian Pareja previously managed FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids in MLS, as well as Tijuana in Liga MX.
Orlando will face CF Montréal in its next match on Saturday.
