Sporting Kansas City Appoints Raphael Wicky as New Head Coach

Sporting Kansas City has officially appointed Raphael Wicky as the club's new head coach, pending the receipt of his P1 visa. Wicky, 48, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract that extends through the 2027-28 season, with an option for the 2028-29 season. He becomes the fifth permanent head coach in the club's history, succeeding Peter Vermes, who parted ways with the team in March 2025 after a disappointing start to the season.

KCTV5Sporting KC appoints Raphael Wicky as head coachKansas City StarRaphael Wicky named new Sporting KC head coach

Wicky brings a wealth of experience to Sporting Kansas City, having previously coached BSC Young Boys in Switzerland from 2022 to 2024. Under his leadership, Young Boys achieved significant success, winning the Swiss Super League and Swiss Cup in the 2022-23 season. His record during this period was 51 wins, 17 draws, and 20 losses across all competitions, with an impressive average of 2.19 goals per game.

Raphael Wicky Named Sporting KC Head CoachMEET THE NEW BOSS: Sporting KC names Wicky head coachRFI (Radio France Internationale)Kansas City Star

Before his tenure at Young Boys, Wicky served as the head coach of the Chicago Fire from 2020 to 2021, where he compiled a record of 12 wins, 26 losses, and 14 draws. He also led the U.S. Under-17 National Team, achieving a second-place finish at the 2019 Concacaf U-17 Championship and participating in the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

MEET THE NEW BOSS: Sporting KC names Wicky head coach

David Lee, President of Soccer Operations and General Manager, expressed enthusiasm about Wicky's appointment, stating, "Rapha's experience both domestically and internationally, along with his success at the highest levels of the game, made him the standout candidate during our search." Lee emphasized that Wicky's teams are known for being attack-minded, high-energy, and possession-oriented, qualities that align with the club's desired style of play.

RFI (Radio France Internationale)

Wicky himself expressed pride in his new role, stating, "I am very proud to be the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City. I feel that the club has all the ingredients to get back to where it belongs – great ownership, amazing facilities, a talented academy, and a beautiful stadium with fantastic fans."

Sporting KC appoints Raphael Wicky as head coach

While Wicky's appointment has been met with optimism, some critics point to his previous stint with the Chicago Fire, where he struggled to achieve a winning record. This has raised questions about his ability to turn around Sporting Kansas City's fortunes, especially after the team finished with the worst record in the Western Conference last season.

Deadspin

Sporting Kansas City is set to begin its preseason training, splitting time between Florida and the Coachella Valley Invitational in California. The team's first match of the 2026 MLS season is scheduled for February 20 against the San Jose Earthquakes. As Wicky steps into his new role, the club aims to reclaim its competitive edge in Major League Soccer.

Kansas City Star

• “In Wicky’s own words, he expressed pride and excitement about the opportunity: “I am very proud to be the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City.” — Raphael Wicky, Head Coach

Raphael Wicky Named Sporting KC Head Coach

• “Rapha's experience both domestically and internationally, along with his success at the highest levels of the game, made him the standout candidate during our search.” — David Lee, President of Soccer Operations & General Manager

Deadspin

• “Rapha's teams are attack-minded, high-energy and possession-oriented -– all qualities that represent the style of play we want to implement,” — David Lee, President of Soccer Operations & General Manager

RFI (Radio France Internationale)