The Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to return in 2026, promising fans a compelling year of competition with teams like Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, the LA Galaxy, and the Philadelphia Union all vying for the championship. The league will feature some of the biggest names in soccer, including World Cup winner Thomas Müller, South Korean star Heung-min Son, and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, adding to the excitement. Key dates for the 2026 MLS season have been established, impacting the schedule for fans and teams alike.
The 2026 MLS season is scheduled to kick off on March 21-22, 2026. A significant event early in the season will be the inauguration of Inter Miami’s Freedom Park on April 4, 2026. However, the season will be interrupted by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with play pausing from May 25 to July 16, 2026. The league is slated to resume on July 16-17, 2026, just before the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, with regular matches continuing through November 7, a date known as “Decision Day.” The dates for the MLS Cup Playoffs and the MLS Cup itself are yet to be confirmed.
Key Dates for the 2026 MLS Season
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 21-22 de marzo de 2026 | Fin de semana inaugural de la MLS 2026 (MLS is Back) |
| 4 de abril de 2026 | El Inter Miami inaugura el Freedom Park |
| 25 de mayo-16 de julio de 2026 | Parada por la Copa del Mundo 2026 |
| 16-17 de julio de 2026 | Vuelve la MLS 2026 |
| 29 de julio de 2026 | Partido de las Estrellas de la MLS 2026 |
| 7 de noviembre de 2026 | Día de la decisión |
| Por confirmar | Playoffs de la Copa MLS |
| Por confirmar | Copa MLS |
The seven-week pause for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, running from May 25, 2026, to July 16, 2026, will impact the MLS schedule. This break will allow international players to join their national teams for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
How to Watch MLS Games in 2026
All MLS matches will be available to stream live through Apple TV, which also provides on-demand services and highlights. FOX Sports will broadcast 34 MLS games live in 2026, with 15 on FOX and 19 on FS1. Spanish-language coverage will be available on FOX Deportes.
Fans can find detailed television schedules for their favorite teams through links provided by Goal.com, including schedules for Atlanta United FC, Austin FC, CF Montreal, Charlotte FC, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, DC United, FC Cincinnati, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo FC, Inter Miami CF, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City SC, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Real Salt Lake, San Diego FC, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, St Louis City SC, Sporting Kansas City, Toronto FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps.
The 2026 MLS season promises to be a landmark year, not only for the league itself but also in the context of the broader soccer landscape with the FIFA World Cup taking place in North America. As the season approaches, fans can look forward to a dynamic and exciting year of MLS action, culminating in the playoffs and the MLS Cup. The next confirmed date on the calendar is Decision Day, November 7, 2026, marking the end of the regular season and the beginning of the playoff push.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming MLS season? Share your predictions and excitement in the comments below.
