This is the 2026 New York City FC Tracker, a post we update often with breaking news, official or rumored, about this year's New York City FC squad and season. We let you know the source and nature of all updates shared and always provide links or screenshots back to original reporting. This post is exclusive to paid subscribers, but the first, most recent update is always available to everyone.
• NK Celje wants to sign Mitja Ilenič: Report
June 1, 2026
Status: Rumor
A report indicates that the current champions of Slovenia's PrvaLiga, NK Celje, are interested in signing loaned-out New York City FC defender Mitja Ilenič.
Ilenič is still officially with Raków Częstochowa on a loan from NYCFC that runs through the end of this 2026 calendar year. However, Ilenič hardly featured for Raków after joining the Polish club in mid-January, only making six total appearances and playing a combined 154 minutes. He only made one start in the league and one start in the Polish cup, didn't pick up a goal or an assist, and his longest-ever appearance for the club was 59 minutes in length.
Now there's a report linking him with the top team in the top flight of his native Slovenia. According to planetnogomet.si, Mitja is "a serious transfer target" for NK Celje, with there already having been talks between all parties involved. That would mean NYCFC, too, with this report from planetnogomet.si also saying the MLS club was "not impressed with how many opportunities Mitja Ilenič got in Poland."
Ilenič's contract with New York City expires at the end of 2026, though the club retains an option to extend the deal through 2027. It's unclear if he would join Celje initially on loan, or if the Slovenian club would buy him outright. Ilenič has 33 games of previous experience in Slovenia's PrvaLiga while playing with NK Domzale in 2021 and 2022, and now might move back to his homeland while in search of more consistent playing time.
• Aiden O'Neill, Kai Trewin make Australia World Cup squad
May 31, 2026
Status: Official, Confirmed
There will be three New York City FC players at this summer's World Cup as midfielder Aiden O'Neill and defender Kai Trewin are both on the Australia roster just announced today ahead of the June 1 submission deadline.
