Major League Soccer’s 2026 Season Changes
In a strategic move to align with the global soccer calendar, Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced a significant alteration to its 2026 season, which includes a pause of nearly two months to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This international tournament is set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting with an opening game in Mexico City on June 11.
Season Schedule Highlights
MLS unveiled the detailed 2026 schedule on Thursday, highlighting the season’s commencement with a match between Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC on February 21 at the historic LA Coliseum. Notably, Inter Miami will celebrate the opening of their new home, Miami Freedom Park, when they face Austin FC in their first match there on April 4, moving from their current home at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Break for World Cup Participation
To facilitate the participation of many players expected to be selected for national teams, MLS will take a break starting May 25, with games resuming on July 16, just days prior to the World Cup final, which is scheduled for July 18. The league’s decision to implement this lengthy break rises from its experience in previous World Cups, where they typically only took shorter pauses, such as the nine-day break during the 2018 tournament in Russia.
Regular Season Format
Each team in MLS will participate in 34 matches during the regular season—17 home games and 17 away—continuing the practice of facing conference opponents twice and engaging in six cross-conference matchups. The regular season is slated to conclude with ‘Decision Day’ on November 7, followed by the playoffs launching on November 18, a timeframe deliberate to avoid disruption during this critical period.
Playoffs and Championship
The MLS Cup playoffs will wrap up with the league’s championship match, the Audi 2026 MLS Cup, set to occur after a month of playoff competition, with further postseason dates to be announced later.
