Belmont University’s men’s soccer program announced its 2026 fall schedule, a 16‑match campaign that blends a rigorous non‑conference slate with a full Missouri Valley Conference run. Head coach David Costa emphasized the purpose of the diverse lineup, noting that the Bruins will face opponents from eight distinct leagues, a strategy designed to sharpen the team before conference play.
Early‑season tests and in‑state showdowns
The season opens with two exhibition matches on August 9 and August 15, followed by an in‑state clash against Memphis on August 20. After the Memphis game, the Bruins travel to Wright State in Ohio on August 23 and then head to Central Arkansas in Arkansas on August 28. Both road trips test the squad’s depth early in the campaign.
September brings a mix of home and away fixtures. Belmont hosts Mercer on September 4, then welcomes Lipscomb for a much‑anticipated rivalry match on September 8. The team journeys to Johnson City to meet East Tennessee State University on September 12, returns home to face Southern Indiana on September 18, and caps the month with a trip to Louisville on September 21. The final non‑conference home game of the month is against the University of St. Thomas on September 25.
MVC action and the road to the championship
October marks the start of Missouri Valley Conference play. The Bruins open league competition on October 3 at Drake in Des Moines, Iowa, and will host back‑to‑back conference matches on October 11 and October 17. Senior night is slated for October 30 against Western Michigan, providing a final home celebration before the regular season concludes on November 4 at the University of Evansville. The 2026 MVC Men’s Soccer Championship will be held from November 8 to November 14, offering a final chance at postseason glory.
The schedule builds on a strong 2025 campaign in which Belmont went undefeated through its first 11 matches, finished 8‑3‑6 overall and 3‑2‑2 in MVC play, and captured a fourth‑place finish in the Valley. With a challenging non‑conference slate and a deep roster, the Bruins aim to translate early momentum into a competitive run toward the conference tournament.