MLS 2026 Season Unveiled: World Cup Break, All-Star Spectacle, and Championship Showdown Dates Revealed

Major League Soccer unveiled its 2026 schedule prior to the MLS Cup conference semifinals.

The forthcoming campaign stands out as it coincides with a FIFA World Cup year taking place on American territory. The competition will halt during summer months to make way for the global tournament, though organizers plan to capitalize on heightened interest with fixtures scheduled between the semifinals and championship match.

2026 additionally represents the inaugural season where Inter Miami will host games at their brand-new Miami Freedom Park. The 25,000-capacity venue is scheduled to debut on Apr. 4 with the Herons welcoming Austin FC.

Below are the essential dates for the forthcoming MLS campaign.

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MLS is Back Weekend

Dates

The 2026 campaign kicks off with 15 fixtures distributed across Feb. 21–22. Featured encounters include St. Louis CITY SC hosting Charlotte FC in the season kickoff, LAFC receiving Inter Miami and FC Cincinnati facing a revamped Atlanta United.

Miami Freedom Park Opens

The Herons stage the opening fixture at their new venue against Austin FC on Apr. 4. Lionel Messi's latest contract renewal was announced at the construction location as he mentioned the stadium as an inspiring element for remaining with the organization.

Miami Freedom Park represents the first of three MLS venues scheduled to debut over the coming three campaigns. Etihad Park, New York City FC's future home, will launch in 2027 with Chicago Fire's downtown facility planned for 2028.

Notable Matches

FIFA World Cup Pause and Return

Dates

MLS enters an extended break at May's conclusion through mid-July due to the World Cup. The competition will suspend on May 24, one day prior to FIFA's mandatory player reporting deadline. Five MLS venues will stage matches during the global competition.

However, the league will resume briefly toward the tournament's conclusion. Six games are planned for July 16–17 nationwide between the semifinals, third-place contest and championship.

FIFA World Cup Period Matches

El Tráfico, the California derby between LA Galaxy and LAFC, and intense Cascadia rivals, Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers, feature prominently during this timeframe.

MLS All-Star Game

Dates

The MLS All-Star Game is slated for July 29 at Bank of America Stadium with Charlotte FC serving as hosts. The AT&T Skills Challenge is planned for the preceding day. MLS has faced Liga MX's All-Stars over the past two years with split outcomes. Their opposition for this match remains unconfirmed.

Additional details regarding the midseason showcase will be revealed later.

Decision Day

Date

Decision Day marks the regular season's conclusion. Competition commences at 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 7 with all Eastern Conference clubs followed by Western Conference teams at 7 p.m. ET. The sole interconference fixture currently scheduled for that date is CF Montréal vs. Vancouver Whitecaps in an all-Canadian matchup.

MLS Cup Playoffs

Dates

The MLS Cup playoffs in 2026 commence in November with a minor schedule adjustment. The 2025 postseason started in October, but the World Cup break likely influences pushing matches back several weeks.

The league will suspend following Decision Day considering the November international break before postseason action starts. Specific postseason dates have not yet been revealed.

How to Watch MLS in 2026

MLS and Apple revealed in November that Season Pass will discontinue following the 2025 season. A modification that began with the 2025 playoffs. Every match will be accessible to subscribers with a standard Apple TV membership which may result in increased viewership and engagement.

Additionally, Fox Sports will televise 34 matches next season. TSN and RDS programming for Canadian teams will be confirmed later.