An unusual scene unfolded during the Minnesota United-San Jose Earthquakes MLS match on Aug. 22 when a baby wandered onto the field.
The tyke somehow managed to sneak onto the pitch at PayPal Park in San Jose, California, during Minnesota’s 5-1 victory. The moment took place during stoppage time in the second half.
Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images A child walks onto the field during a MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Minnesota United FC on Aug. 22, 2026, at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
“There’s a baby on the field,” Apple TV announcer Kyndra de St. Aubin said, as a staffer working the match carried the child onto the sidelines. The person handed off the youngster to the sidelines.
“How did they make it all the way out there?” de St. Aubin continued.
“You could hear the noise, and then you’re looking to see what it is. Oh, man, it’s a little bit too early to get a lifetime ban from a stadium,” Minnesota coach Cameron Knowles joked after the game, according to The Athletic.
On X, de St. Aubin also mentioned the incident, tweeting alongside game footage, “Definitely a moment I won’t forget!”
Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images A security member grabs a child who walked onto the field during a MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Minnesota United FC on Aug. 22, 2026, at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
Minnesota alluded to the incident while celebrating its victory.
“Like taking money from a baby,” it wrote on X.
While a child on the field of play in a professional sporting event is not something you typically see, it is something that has happened before during an MLS match.
In June 2025, the D.C. United’s match in Washington, D.C. against the Chicago Fire was interrupted when a toddler got onto the pitch.
In 2021, a mother zipped onto the field to bring in her 2-year-old son after he made his way there when FC Cincinnati hosted Orlando City FC.
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