D.C. United Announces Roster Decision ahead of the 2026 season

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 26, 2025) — D.C. United has taken its first major steps toward shaping the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) campaign, announcing a full slate of roster decisions following the conclusion of the 2025 season. The Black-and-Red exercised several contract options, confirmed players already under guaranteed deals, and outlined next steps for those whose future with the club remains under negotiation.

Managing Director of Soccer Operations Erkut Sogut emphasized the importance of these decisions in building a competitive squad.

“Roster decisions are never easy, but they are a necessary part of building a competitive team,” Sogut said. “We thank the players whose options were not exercised for their contributions and wish them the best moving forward.”

One of the most notable moves involves veteran striker Christian Benteke, whose contract option was declined. The club had said it was in discussions with his representatives about a possible return — but Benteke has now made the decision official. No official statement has been released by the club. A message posted on his social-media account, the Belgian forward announced he is leaving D.C. United, calling it the end of his time in Washington and expressing gratitude for the experience.

“Thank you to D.C. United for giving me the opportunity to grow and prove myself in MLS,” Benteke wrote. “To the fans, my teammates, the staff and the city, your support during my 3 years meant everything to me.”

With Benteke’s departure confirmed, the club is now continuing talks with Homegrown forward Kristian Fletcher, and remains focused on recruiting high-impact talent — including potential Designated Players — as part of its broader roster build for 2026.

2026 Roster Snapshot: 22 Players Under Contract or Returning

D.C. United enters the offseason with 22 players on the roster, including 16 under guaranteed contracts, six whose options were exercised, and five whose options were declined. Three players — Luis Barraza, Christian Benteke, and Lukas MacNaughton — will be eligible for MLS Free Agency when the window opens December 10 at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Players Under Contract Through 2026 (16)

Oscar Avilez, Dominique Badji, Lucas Bartlett, Boris Enow, Jordan Farr, Kim Joon Hong, Aaron Herrera, Hakim Karamoko, Jacob Murrell, João Peglow, Matti Peltola, Kye Rowles, David Schnegg, Brandon Servania, Jared Stroud, Gavin Turner

Contract Options Exercised for 2026 (6)

Conner Antley, Caden Clark, Jackson Hopkins, Hosei Kijima, Gabriel Pirani, Garrison Tubbs

Contract Options Declined for 2026 (5)

Christian Benteke, Derek Dodson, Kristian Fletcher, Randall Leal, Rida Zouhir

Roster Breakdown by Position

GOALKEEPERS (2)Jordan Farr, Kim Joon Hong

DEFENDERS (5)Lucas Bartlett, Aaron Herrera, Kye Rowles, David Schnegg, Garrison Tubbs

MIDFIELDERS (10)Oscar Avilez, Caden Clark, Boris Enow, Jackson Hopkins, Hosei Kijima, Matti Peltola, Gabriel Pirani, Brandon Servania, Jared Stroud, Gavin Turner

FORWARDS (4)Dominique Badji, Hakim Karamoko, Jacob Murrell, João Peglow

With Benteke’s departure now confirmed, D.C. United has all three Designated Player spots available. The club plans to complete its roster when free agency opens on Wednesday, December 10, at 1 p.m. ET, and through their selections in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, scheduled for Thursday, December 18.