MLS unveils historic 2026 schedule

Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially released its schedule for the 2026 regular season, setting the stage for a historic year in North American soccer that will be headlined by the opening of Inter Miami CF's new stadium and a mid-season pause for the FIFA World Cup.

The season will kick off earlier than usual, with St. Louis CITY SC hosting Charlotte FC on Saturday, February 21, 2026, marking the first match of the "MLS is Back" opening weekend.

This early start accommodates the league's adjusted calendar for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico later in the summer.

The biggest highlight of the schedule release is the confirmed opening date for Miami Freedom Park. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF will debut their new, state-of-the-art 25,000-seat stadium on April 4, 2026, when they host Austin FC.

Until the stadium opens, Inter Miami will begin their campaign on the road, including a blockbuster opening weekend clash against LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on February 21. This matchup will pit Messi against fellow global icon Son Heung-min, who will be starting his first full season with LAFC.

As expected, the league will observe a significant break to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The season will pause after matches on May 25, 2026, and will remain on hiatus until July 16, shortly before the World Cup Final.

This seven-week break ensures that players selected for their national teams will be available for the tournament, while MLS venues selected as World Cup host sites can be prepared for the global stage.

Key Dates for 2026, Feb. 21: Season Opener (St. Louis CITY SC vs. Charlotte FC) & LAFC vs. Inter Miami CF, April 4: Miami Freedom Park Opening Match (Inter Miami CF vs. Austin FC), May 25 – July 16: Leagues Pause for FIFA World Cup 2026, July 16-17: Season Resumes with "Rivalry Week" matchups and Oct. 19: Decision Day (Regular Season Finale).

In a move to simplify viewing for fans worldwide, all 510 regular-season matches will be streamed globally on Apple TV, with the platform fully integrating MLS into its main service, eliminating the need for a separate Season Pass subscription for 2026.

The 2026 season promises to be a watershed moment for the league, bridging the excitement of domestic play with the arrival of the world's biggest sporting event on North American soil.