Houston Dynamo set for playoff showdown against San Jose

By Chris Price
Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved

HOUSTON, TEXAS (November 8, 2026) The Houston Dynamo FC are heading back to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the third time in four seasons. The Dynamo will face the San Jose Earthquakes in a Round One Best-of-3 Series, with Houston hosting Game 2 at Shell Energy Stadium.

Houston finished fifth in the Western Conference with a 14-11-9 record and 51 points. San Jose earned the fourth seed after finishing the regular season at 14-10-10 with 52 points.

The series opens Tuesday, Nov. 24, in San Jose, with kickoff set for 9 p.m. CT at PayPal Park. Houston will host Game 2 on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 1:30 p.m. CT. If a third game is needed, the teams will return to San Jose on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

The Dynamo hold a 19-12-6 all-time record against the Earthquakes. The teams met twice during the regular season, playing to a scoreless draw in Houston before San Jose earned a 1-0 victory at home.

Houston will look to its strong defense and offensive leader Guilherme, who finished the season with 26 goal contributions. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond also recorded 12 clean sheets, tying the club's single-season record.

Before the playoffs begin, the Dynamo will host a Fan Fuel Up Rally on Friday, Nov. 13, from 7-9 a.m. at team headquarters. Fans can receive free coffee, donuts and playoff items while supplies last.

Tickets for Game 2 are available through the team's official ticketing website.