- Team form: FC Dallas have won three of their last five matches in all competitions (D1, L1).
- Head-to-head: Houston Dynamo have failed to win either of their last two home games against FC Dallas.
- Away scoring: FC Dallas have averaged 1.80 goals-per-game on their travels in MLS 2026.
A tight derby awaits in Texas
Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas have played out some thrilling matches in recent seasons and Sunday's MLS clash should be no different, with both clubs in the playoff mix going into this game. Orange Crush are 10th in MLS 2026 with 45 points from 28 games, while The Hoops are 6th with 47 points from 28 matches, so there is plenty to play for when these two Texas rivals come together for another edition of Copa Tejas.
Houston have been strong at home in 2026, losing just three of their 14 MLS games at Shell Energy Stadium (W8, D3) while conceding only 12 goals at their own place.
Hoops are more in form
Tactical outlook
Ben Olsen has been slowly shaping Houston into a back-three, wing-back side since taking over in November 2022, while the addition of more verticality in their play is evident in the numbers. FC Dallas are a similar shape, but Hoops coach Eric Quill has overseen a 3-5-2 structure since taking over in November 2024 that relies on structure and fast vertical breaks.
Betting market
The Hoops have won seven, drawn three and lost five of their 15 away MLS games in 2026, scoring at an average of 1.80 goals per-match. Backing the teams to score looks a good way to go at 1.6 with over 2.5 goals to this derby at 1.7. It could be a long way to getting to the result and Houston are a slight favorite at 2.12, but FC Dallas should be a touch shorter than 3.1 given the visitors have won three of the last five meetings and the draw odds of 3.65 look a bit short.
Dallas’ firepower edges the bet
Houston have won one, drawn two and lost two of their last five in all competitions, so the home edge won't be as strong for this derby as it has been in the past. The Dynamo lost 2-0 at home to Sporting Kansas City in their most recent game and were held 2-2 on the road by Minnesota United before that.
They've won one and lost one of their previous two road trips though, so should be able to compete with Houston.
- Dallas have had a similar spell of games – W3, D1, L1 – but they lost their most recent away game 3-2 to Charlotte FC.
- Guilherme Augusto is Houston's key man with 14 goals in 26 MLS 2026 appearances, but he has only two of the Orange Crush's six goals in their last five games.
- Petar Musa is FC Dallas' danger man with 18 strikes in 23 appearances in MLS 2026 and should be the clear selection for an anytime scorer.
