Watch San Jose Earthquakes v Sporting Kansas City on Apple TV: Mark Rogondino and Heath Pearce Call MLS Opener

UK football fans craving early morning MLS action can tune into Apple TV at 03:30 UK time on Sunday, 22 February 2026, to watch the San Jose Earthquakes host Sporting Kansas City in the 2026 season opener at PayPal Park. With no traditional British broadcasters like ITV, BBC, Sky Sports or TNT Sports carrying the match, Apple TV remains the exclusive global streaming home for Major League Soccer, offering high-quality coverage direct to subscribers across the UK.

Leading the commentary booth will be main commentator Mark Rogondino, a seasoned voice in MLS broadcasting known for his sharp play-by-play delivery and deep knowledge of the league's dynamics. Rogondino has built a reputation over years calling matches for Apple TV's MLS Season Pass, bringing energy and insight to games from coast to coast. Joining him as co-commentator is Heath Pearce, the former US international defender whose 20-year professional career spanned MLS, the Premier League with Derby County, and multiple caps for the USMNT. Pearce's post-playing expertise as an analyst adds tactical depth, drawing from his experience at clubs like Chicago Fire and New England Revolution, making him a fan favourite for breaking down defensive battles and attacking flair.

This blockbuster curtain-raiser pits two teams hungry for redemption after a thrilling 2025 head-to-head. Sporting KC stunned the Quakes with a 5-3 victory at PayPal Park in April 2025, racing to a 3-0 lead before holding off a comeback, thanks to braces from Daniel Salloi and goals from Logan Ndenbe, Manu Garcia and Erik Thommy. Earlier that year, San Jose edged a 2-1 win at Sporting's home, powered by strikes from Chicho Arango and Josef Martinez. Both sides enter 2026 buoyed by strong pre-seasons: the Earthquakes went 3-0-0 at the Coachella Valley Invitational, with homegrown talent Niko Tsakiris contributing in every game, while Sporting KC notched 2-1-0, including Dejan Joveljic's game-winners against New York City and Austin FC.

San Jose, who missed the 2025 playoffs on a tiebreaker, aim to set the tone under their current setup, leveraging PayPal Park's electric atmosphere and upgrades like the revamped Habbas Law Epicenter. Key man Tsakiris is buzzing about a playoff push, as the Quakes seek to avenge last season's PayPal Park loss. Meanwhile, Sporting Kansas City usher in a new era with head coach Raphael Wicky, formerly of Chicago Fire, bolstered by winger Calvin Harris from Colorado Rapids and the prolific Joveljic, who tallied 20 goal contributions (18 goals, 2 assists) last year. Goalkeeper John Pulskamp, who played every minute and ranked third in MLS saves, anchors the defence as Defensive Player of the Year.

Expect a high-octane clash given their history of goals and drama—perfect for UK viewers rising early. Apple TV's stream ensures seamless access, with local radio options like KNBR 680 AM for San Jose fans stateside. For more on Major League Soccer, the league's official site offers schedules, stats and news. Whether you're backing the Quakes' home fire or Sporting's road resilience, Rogondino and Pearce will guide you through every moment of this MLS opener.

Grab your Apple TV subscription and don't miss kick-off at 03:30 UK time—a tantalising start to the 2026 campaign that could define both teams' ambitions.

Article generated: 22 February 2026, 03:35 GMT