2026 MLS season Calendar and Officially kicks Off

Major League Soccer is entering a landmark year. As North America prepares to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, MLS has structured its 31st season to serve as the ultimate curtain-raiser for the global tournament. With the addition of San Diego FC as the league's 30th franchise and the highly anticipated opening of Miami Freedom Park, the 2026 season is set to be the most watched in the league's history.

Whether you are tracking Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami or looking forward to the mid-season World Cup break, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 MLS calendar.

When does the 2026 MLS season start and end?

The 2026 MLS regular season officially kicks off on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with a blockbuster "MLS is Back" opening weekend. The season will conclude with Decision Day on November 7, 2026, followed by the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.

Key Dates for the 2026 Season:

February 21: Regular Season Start (St. Louis CITY SC vs. Charlotte FC).

April 4: Inaugural match at Miami Freedom Park (Inter Miami CF vs. Austin FC).

May 25 – July 16: FIFA World Cup Break (No MLS matches).

July 16-17: MLS Action Returns (Rivalry Week).

July 29: 2026 MLS All-Star Game (Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte).

November 7: Decision Day (Final day of the regular season).

December 2026: MLS Cup Final (Exact date TBA).

The World Cup Pause

For the first time in league history, MLS will take a comprehensive six-week break from May 25 to July 16 to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This allows players to join their national teams without missing club fixtures and enables fans to focus entirely on the tournament being hosted in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Major Changes to MLS Season Pass

Watching the league has become simpler in 2026. Apple and MLS have evolved their partnership:

No Standalone Fee: The standalone "MLS Season Pass" subscription has been discontinued.

Apple TV Integration: All MLS matches are now included at no additional cost for standard Apple TV+ subscribers.

Season Ticket Perk: Full-season ticket holders continue to receive a complimentary subscription to Apple TV+ as part of their membership package.

MLS 2026 Expansion & Venues

San Diego FC: The league’s 30th team begins its inaugural season playing at Snapdragon Stadium.

Miami Freedom Park: After years of anticipation, Inter Miami CF officially moves into its new 25,000-seat permanent home in April.

Sports Illustrated Stadium: The New York Red Bulls have officially rebranded their home ground for the 2026 season.

2026 vs. 2027: A Historic Shift

Fans should note that 2026 is the final year MLS will use the traditional Spring-to-Autumn schedule. Starting in late 2027, the league is scheduled to transition to a Summer-to-Spring format (similar to European leagues) to better align with the international transfer windows and the new FIFA calendar.

2027 Transition: To facilitate this shift, a shortened "bridge" season consisting of 14 matches is planned for early 2027 before the new format begins in August 2027.