Sporting Kansas City has named Raphaël Wicky as its new head coach, signing him to a two-year contract through the 2027-28 MLS season with an option for the following campaign. The Swiss-born manager, 48, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously coached the Chicago Fire from 2020-21 and BSC Young Boys in Switzerland from 2022-24.
Wicky's appointment comes after a tumultuous season under interim coach Kerry Zavagnin, who failed to turn the team around despite their best efforts. The club's poor performance led to a dismal record of 7-20-7, earning only 28 points and marking the worst showings in the Western Conference.
According to president and general manager David Lee, Wicky was the standout candidate in the search for a new head coach, citing his experience at both domestic and international levels. "Rapha's teams are attack-minded, high-energy, and possession-oriented – all qualities that represent the style of play we want to implement here in Kansas City," Lee said.
Wicky, who also coached the United States' U-17 squad in 2019, compiled a modest record of 12-25-14 with the Chicago Fire. However, he expressed his excitement about taking on the new role and working with the team, staff, and players to build strong relationships and implement an attacking style of play.
The club's ownership, facilities, academy, and fans were highlighted as key factors in Wicky's decision to join Sporting Kansas City, which he believes has all the ingredients to return to winning ways. With the 2026 MLS season set to kick off on February 21st against the San Jose Earthquakes, Wicky is poised to get started and steer the team towards success.
Wicky's appointment comes after a tumultuous season under interim coach Kerry Zavagnin, who failed to turn the team around despite their best efforts. The club's poor performance led to a dismal record of 7-20-7, earning only 28 points and marking the worst showings in the Western Conference.
According to president and general manager David Lee, Wicky was the standout candidate in the search for a new head coach, citing his experience at both domestic and international levels. "Rapha's teams are attack-minded, high-energy, and possession-oriented – all qualities that represent the style of play we want to implement here in Kansas City," Lee said.
Wicky, who also coached the United States' U-17 squad in 2019, compiled a modest record of 12-25-14 with the Chicago Fire. However, he expressed his excitement about taking on the new role and working with the team, staff, and players to build strong relationships and implement an attacking style of play.
The club's ownership, facilities, academy, and fans were highlighted as key factors in Wicky's decision to join Sporting Kansas City, which he believes has all the ingredients to return to winning ways. With the 2026 MLS season set to kick off on February 21st against the San Jose Earthquakes, Wicky is poised to get started and steer the team towards success.
I'm hyped about Raphaël Wicky being the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City!!! 
They needed a shake-up after that disastrous season under Zavagnin, and I think Wicky's got the skills to turn it around. He's got experience at both club and international levels, so he knows what it takes to win. Plus, his teams are all about high-energy attacks and possession football – sounds like my cup of tea! 
The fact that KC is a great place for him with a sick ownership team, amazing facilities, academy, and fans must've sealed the deal. I'm rooting for them now, let's see Wicky bring some excitement back to the Tractor! 
! I mean, he's got loads of experience under his belt, coaching in the US and Switzerland 
. His teams are all about attack-minded play, which sounds perfect for KC 
️. The fans have been patiently waiting for some big changes, so hopefully Wicky can bring that success to the city 
. Can't wait to see how it plays out in the 2026 season - fingers crossed! 
. Still, I love the attacking style of play he wants to implement and building strong relationships with the team sounds like a great plan 
. The ownership and facilities here are supposed to be top-notch, so fingers crossed that Wicky can get this team firing on all cylinders 
! Can't wait for him to take over and see what he does, but I'm not holding my breath just yet 
, I mean I know sporting KC is on my watchlist this season but those candies are NEXT LEVEL 
, I was at a game last year and the energy in that stadium was electric 
. anyway back to wicky... sounds like he's got the right vibe for the team, all that possession-oriented stuff can be pretty cool to watch 
Sporting Kansas City just got a whole new lease on life with Raphaël Wicky at the helm 
! I mean, 7-20-7 was straight up awful 
, but this dude's got experience and a vision for attack-minded football 
. Academy, facilities, ownership – it all checks out 
! Can't wait to see how he shapes this team into a winner 
It's not like they've got some fancy new analytics or anything, just good old-fashioned hard work and passion. And let's be real, KC needs someone to shake things up, turn that ship around, 'cause 7-20-7 is NOT the kind of start we want 
. So bring it on, Raph! We're rooting for ya! 
12-25-14 with the fire wasnt exactly inspiring. but he seems super excited to bring in a new style and energy to KC 
️
! 2 years might seem like a long time, but it's better than having someone who can't even turn things around in one season 
. But hey, Wicky's got some cool cred - he coached the U-17 US squad and has experience with BSC Young Boys in Switzerland 
. I just hope he can bring that attacking style of play to KC and get us fans excited again 
... wonder if some big names will join the team to help turn things around 
and i'm tired of watching that team struggle on the pitch 
he sounds like a cool coach tho, all about building relationships and stuff 
they need a miracle just to make the playoffs now 
gotta love Rapha though, he's like the ultimate underdog coach - from Swiss leagues to MLS and US youth national teams, dude knows how to grind 
12-25-14 is nothing to write home about. And let's be real, the team's performance last season was pretty dismal 
. That being said, I do think it's great that they're trying to implement a new style of play - an attack-minded, high-energy approach could definitely bring some life to the squad.
. All in all, it'll be interesting to see how this new coach shakes things up - but for now, I'm a bit skeptical 
Still, I'll give him a chance to prove himself at Sporting KC 
... Fingers crossed for a better season