FC Cincinnati have waived Matt Miazga, the club announced today. Miazga spent parts of five seasons with FC Cincinnati since joining the club in August 2022.
The club has utilized a Buyout of a Guaranteed Contract, and the defender will no longer occupy a spot on the team’s roster or count against the 2026 salary budget retroactive to September 2, 2026.
“Everyone at the club is tremendously grateful for all that Matt did for FC Cincinnati,” said General Manager Chris Albright. “Matt brought to Cincinnati a winning mentality that helped turn around the trajectory of this team. He was a foundational piece in the growth of our club, and we wish him and his family the best.”
Miazga joined the Orange and Blue in August 2022 from English Premier League side Chelsea FC and became an immediate starter on the backline, helping lead FC Cincinnati to a first-ever MLS Cup Playoff appearance that season. In 2023, he was named the Major League Soccer Defender of the Year, in addition to the Best XI and All-Star Team, as the Orange and Blue won the Supporters’ Shield, with FC Cincinnati maintaining a clean sheet in 12 of Miazga’s starts.
Miazga battled back from a significant knee injury suffered in the June 15, 2024 match at San Jose Earthquakes and returned to game action less than 10 months later in April 2025. In total, Miazga made 108 appearances for FC Cincinnati, the tenth-most in club history, all-time.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati waive defender Matt Miazga and exercise a Buyout of Guaranteed Contract on September 2, 2026.