World Cup Sparks Historic Longest Road Trip
The upcoming 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to introduce significant changes, notably a 52-day World Cup break. This shift will conclude the season in mid-December, offering a preview of the calendar adjustments anticipated for the 2027-28 season. This announcement marks the earliest release of the season’s schedule in MLS history.
Sounders’ Historic Longest Road Trip
The Seattle Sounders will commence the season at Lumen Field against the Colorado Rapids. Following this match, they will embark on a historic five-game road trip, the longest in the franchise’s history, as preparations for the 2026 World Cup take place. Upon their return, they will play six additional home games on freshly installed grass.
Concacaf Champions Cup Schedule
- The Sounders are scheduled to play their Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 home leg between March 17 and 19.
- This match will likely be held at an alternate venue, as grass installation will begin shortly after their February 22 match.
The team anticipates returning to Lumen Field for a potential quarterfinal match, indicating a well-structured schedule despite the ongoing renovations.
Post-World Cup Matches
After the World Cup break, the Sounders will face the Portland Timbers on July 16. This match kicks off a sequence of six games before the World Cup final on July 19. Additionally, the Sounders will also engage with Minnesota United at home on September 26.
Other Notable Matches and Highlights
- Cascadia Cup match against Portland on August 1.
- Home game against the Whitecaps on August 16.
- Halloween match at Vancouver on October 31.
- Decision Day matchup against LAFC is set for November 7.
Throughout the season, the Sounders will play 11 of their 34 games on short rest. Six of these will be at home, providing some relief with two occurring during a three-game homestand.
Game Timing and Matchups
The Sounders’ schedule includes multiple game start times. Key timings include:
- One match kicking off at 4 PM
- One at 5:30 PM
- Four at 6 PM
- Three at 6:30 PM
- Seven at 7:30 PM
The season’s final three matches present a challenging stretch, featuring games against San Diego, Vancouver, and LAFC.
Future Announcements
As the season approaches, there are pending details regarding the Leagues Cup and MLS Playoff formats. A particular gap in the calendar from August 3 to August 9 hints at potential scheduling for the Leagues Cup. If playoff durations are reduced, the MLS Cup could be held on December 12 or December 19.
Overall, the 2026 MLS season promises to be dynamic, setting the stage for an exciting year of soccer during the World Cup preparations.
