German soccer star Marco Reus was expected to visit America First Field in Sandy as a marquee visitor during the 2026 Major League Soccer regular season, according to a December 19, 2026, Real Salt Lake preseason update. The document identifies Reus as a storied German star who was scheduled to appear during a match against the LA Galaxy on Nov. 7, 2026. This appearance was part of a season that featured multiple international soccer legends visiting the venue throughout 2026.
In addition to the anticipated visit from Reus, the Real Salt Lake 2026 preseason update published on Dec. 19, 2026, noted several other high-profile athletes expected to visit the stadium. These included Korean superstar Son Heung-min of Los Angeles Football Club, who was scheduled for Sept. 5, and German trophy king Thomas Müller of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who was scheduled for Sept. 19. The club also expected to host beloved Mexican cult figure Chucky Lozano of San Diego FC on April 18, 2026, and global soccer icon Lionel Messi with Inter Miami CF on April 22, 2026.
The 2026 season was described by the club's Dec. 19, 2026, update as a celebratory FIFA World Cup year. The schedule for that season included 34 regular season games, consisting of 17 home games and 17 away games in MLS. While many of these events were centered at America First Field in Sandy, the club's activities in the region involve various connections to the local community. For instance, a Jan. 7, 2026, Real Salt Lake announcement noted that player Zach Booth had called Herriman home during the 2019/20 season while he was a member of the RSL Academy.
According to the Dec. 19, 2026, preseason update, the club was entering its 22nd MLS campaign and its 18th full season at America First Field. The document noted that Real Salt Lake has a perennial competitive foundation, which includes the longest active MLS Cup Playoff qualification streak in the MLS Western Conference, having reached the postseason five seasons in a row. The club has advanced to the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons, with 2020 being the only exception, and has qualified in 15 of the last 18 years since first qualifying in 2008.
As the 2026 season unfolded, the club utilized its venue in Sandy to host various international talent. The Dec. 19, 2026, update highlighted that the 2026 schedule was designed to provide mouth-watering anticipation for fans through these marquee visitors. The presence of players like Reus was part of a broader effort to bring global soccer interest to the Utah area during a significant year for the sport.
What this means for Herriman
The arrival of international soccer legends like Marco Reus in the region during 2026 provided significant interest for local fans. These marquee matches at America First Field were part of a 34-game regular season that aimed to leverage the celebratory 2026 FIFA World Cup year to bring global soccer talent to the area.
