The Vancouver Whitecaps will play their final match before the FIFA World Cup break when they visit San Diego FC on Saturday.
They’ll be without goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka and midfielder Andres Cubas, as both players are serving one-match suspensions.
Vancouver has begun their eight-match road odyssey with a 1-1-2 record. Following the World Cup break, Vancouver will play three more road MLS matches before returning home to play LAFC at BC Place with the upper bowl open on Aug. 1.
Müller still happy with Vancouver decision
It’s been less than 10 months since Thomas Müller chose to sign with the Whitecaps, and he doesn’t regret that decision. He appears to love living in the city, and showcased a trip to Tofino on his YouTube page recently.
When asked to reflect on choosing Vancouver, Müller said he didn’t have big expectations as to what life would be like with the Whitecaps.
“I’m very happy [with] this choice,” Müller told reporters this week. “I didn’t expect too much… It was just based on the talks I had with Jesper and with Axel. They were very clear with the situation about our team and what they wanted to achieve. It would be different than what I’m used to, but in general I have the feeling that I’m in a very competitive team.”
On the pitch, the Whitecaps have been a juggernaut, making it to the MLS Cup Final last season. They’re proving that last season wasn’t a fluke, as Vancouver currently sits in first place in the Western Conference.
It’s not Bayern Munich, but his competitive fire still burns.
“The competitiveness, and the willing to be top of the league and everything else feels the same. For sure, I try to bring also this competitiveness with me, and I try to push everything. But I also had the feeling that they did it already before I came, and we were building it together. That feels very good.”
“I also really appreciate the connection with the city,” Müller added. “I have the feeling the fans, people, they are feeling comfortable with the Whitecaps, and with our personalities… They can see how we are as human beings, not only as players. I think they enjoy watching us and our playing style. We enjoy their support and commitment during our games. The lower bowl is always full.
“I think it’s tough to expect more.”
What Müller thinks about the off-field drama
Simon Fearn/Imagn Images
The Whitecaps are averaging 24,190 fans at BC Place this season, and the club has had 19 consecutive MLS matches with crowds of at least 20,000. But even with the strong support, the team could still move.
It’s a frustrating situation for Whitecaps fans, who are doing everything in their power to support the club.
“It’s not a straight or direct connection with the support,” Müller said. “The support in general in BC Place and in the city, especially, is great. I have the feeling that something is growing, it’s really buzzing. You have the feeling that the Whitecaps are valuable for the city and for the people, but that’s only one part of the whole situation.
“You need so many different pieces to put it together. My feeling is maybe the club needs a better chance to build an environment infrastructure to get better revenues in general. I think we’re losing money every year, even if we maybe win it.”
TV time in Germany
Müller will be appearing on German television during the World Cup, as an analyst for Deutsche Telekom’s MagentaTV. It’s a unique role for Müller, who is already well versed in providing his share of soundbites.
“I’m the commercial break guy,” Müller joked. “I have one sentence for 20 seconds where I have to bring it to the point. For the German media it would be great if I would maybe point with my finger (at) one player or the coach to blame someone, you know how it works.”
The 2014 World Cup winner will be on the other side of the beautiful game as Müller balances sharing his insight while keeping things light and entertaining for viewers.
“The questions I get are about me and my team,” Müller added. “Now I have to speak about third parties, persons, or games with the knowledge that I don’t want to be boring, but with the knowledge that I don’t want to be too aggressive with players or persons. That’s the fine line, it’s always a bit edgy, and I take it.”
Whitecaps injury update
Ryan Gauld, Ralph Priso, Sam Adekugbe, Belal Halbouni, and Sebastian Schonlau continue to work their way back from long-term injuries. Winger Emmanuel Sabbi, who missed the 1-0 loss to Houston on Saturday with an injury, won’t play against San Diego.
#VWFC training on a beautiful sunny spring morning in Vancouver.
Gauld, Bruno, Priso, Schonlau are training, did beep test, and passing drills.
Larraz and Adekugbe running laps, doing drills off to the side.
Emmanuel Sabbi is not training today. #MLS pic.twitter.com/Kuf1wxCddz
— Har Journalist (@HarJournalist) May 20, 2026
Gauld’s recovery process is at a point where he needs an adjusted approach.
“Ryan needs more of a football-based training,” Jesper Sørensen said. “A normal training [other] than just running around the pitch. You can see he’s close to getting ready to play. He will have to catch up ground when the break is here. Hopefully, when he comes back, he will be ready to have a normal preseason working towards the rest of the season.”
Gauld is unlikely to play in any Whitecaps FC 2 matches during the World Cup break.
Whitecaps players who won’t be at the World Cup will have three weeks off before the team reconvenes in mid-June to prepare for what will be a busy slate of summer matches.
- You might also like:
- More details revealed from pivotal Vancouver Whitecaps meeting