2026 MLS Schedule Unveiled: Key Dates and Essential Details
The 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to begin, bringing exciting developments and key dates for fans and teams alike. This will mark the 31st season of the league. A noteworthy highlight is the opening of Inter Miami CF’s new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in April.
Key Dates in the 2026 MLS Schedule
- MLS is Back Weekend: February 21-22
- Inter Miami CF Opens Miami Freedom Park: April 4
- FIFA World Cup Break: May 25 – July 16
- MLS Action Resumes: July 16-17
- 2026 MLS All-Star Game: July 29
- Decision Day: November 7
MLS is Back Weekend
The season will kick off with an electrifying opening weekend on February 21-22. St. Louis CITY SC will take on Charlotte FC in their opener, while a marquee matchup will feature LAFC facing Inter Miami CF later that evening.
Inaugural Match at Miami Freedom Park
Inter Miami will host Austin FC in the first match at the new 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park on April 4 at 7:30 PM ET. This soccer-specific stadium is the first of three new MLS venues planned for the coming years.
FIFA 2026 World Cup Impact
The regular season will pause from May 25 until July 16 to accommodate the FIFA World Cup. This tournament will introduce an expanded format with 48 teams and will run from June 11 to July 19. Sixteen cities across North America will serve as hosts, including five MLS stadiums for World Cup matches.
Returning to Action
Following the World Cup, the MLS will resume its schedule on July 16-17. Some notable rivalries will kick off the return, including matches featuring CF Montréal against Toronto FC and the LA Galaxy versus LAFC.
2026 MLS All-Star Events
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game is scheduled for July 29 at Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium. An opponent will be confirmed later. This will coincide with the All-Star Skills Challenge set for the day prior.
Concluding the Season
The regular season will culminate with Decision Day on November 7. Key playoff implications will be on the line, leading up to the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, which will begin following a brief pause for the November FIFA window. The complete playoff schedule will be announced soon.
Format of the 2026 Season
Each team will play 34 matches—17 at home and 17 on the road. This includes home and away fixtures against conference opponents, as well as contests against various cross-conference teams.
The 2026 MLS season is shaping up to be an exhilarating year for fans and players, with significant changes and thrilling events on the horizon.
