Full 2026 MLS season schedule explained, including opening day fixtures, key dates and TV coverage
The 2026 MLS season is set to begin in late February, with excitement around the league continuing to grow after a landmark previous campaign. Last season saw Lionel Messi guide Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory, cementing the league’s global profile and drawing unprecedented attention to North American football.
With the new season approaching, here is everything you need to know about when the 2026 MLS season starts, the opening round of fixtures, key dates across the calendar, and how to watch the action.
When does the 2026 MLS season start?
The 2026 MLS season officially begins on February 21, with Opening Weekend marking the return of regular-season football across the United States and Canada.
As in previous years, MLS will launch with a full slate of fixtures spread across the opening weekend, allowing fans to see every team in action early in the campaign.
The February start date once again positions MLS ahead of many European leagues returning from winter breaks, while also accommodating international windows later in the year.
When does Lionel Messi and Inter Miami play next?
All eyes will once again be on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami when the season kicks off, following their championship-winning campaign.
And there could be no bigger game to kick off the season than against LAFC, featuring South Korean superstar Heung-min Son.
- Opponent: LAFC
- Date: Sunday, February 21, 2026
- Venue: BMO Stadium, LA, California
Inter Miami’s opening fixture is expected to be one of the most watched MLS matches of the season, as Messi begins another campaign under intense global scrutiny.
CHAMPIONS. HISTORY WRITTEN. 💗✍️
A historic 2025 season, highlighted by our first-ever MLS Cup title and milestones across every competition. 💫
🗞️ Read the full season recap here: https://t.co/rFMu3AkDj5 pic.twitter.com/kLpSTq4y9y
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 12, 2025
MLS 2026 opening round fixtures
The opening round of the 2026 MLS season features fixtures across both conferences.
- FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United – Feb. 21, 4:30 pm ET
- Austin FC vs. Minnesota United – Feb. 21, 8:30 pm ET
- St. Louis City vs Charlotte FC – Feb. 21, 2:30 pm ET
- FC Dallas vs. Toronto FC – Feb. 21, 8:30 pm ET
- D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union, Feb. 21 – 7:30 pm ET
- Houston Dynamo vs. Chicago Fire FC – Feb. 21, 8:30 pm ET
- Los Angeles FC vs. Inter Miami – Feb. 21 – 9:30 pm ET
- LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC – Feb. 22, 7 pm ET
- Nashville SC vs. New England Revolution – Feb. 21, 8:30 pm ET
- Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls – Feb. 21, 7:30 pm ET
- Portland Timbers vs. Columbus Crew, Feb. 21 – 10:30 pm ET
- San Diego FC vs. CF Montréal, Feb. 21 – 10:30 pm ET
- San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City – Feb. 21, 10:30 pm ET
- Seattle Sounders FC vs. Colorado Rapids – Feb. 22, 9 pm ET
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Real Salt Lake – Feb. 21, 7:30 pm ET
Key dates in the 2026 MLS season
Beyond Opening Weekend, several dates define the rhythm of the MLS calendar.
- Opening Weekend: February 21-22
- FIFA World Cup pause: May 25-July 16
- MLS All-Star Game: July 29
- Leagues Cup:
- Starts: August 4
- Ends: September 6
- Decision Day: November 7
- MLS Cup Playoffs begin: To be announced
- MLS Cup final: To be announced
What’s new for MLS in 2026?
The 2026 season arrives at a pivotal moment for Major League Soccer.
With the FIFA World Cup coming to the United States, Canada and Mexico, MLS continues to benefit from increased global exposure, higher-profile signings, and growing youth development pathways.
MLS’s role as a shop window for North American talent has never been more prominent.
Where to watch MLS in 2026 on TV and streaming
Coverage of MLS in 2026 remains extensive across North America.
Worldwide
- Apple TV will show all 510 matches available
United States
- FOX Sports will air 34 MLS matches
- 15 matches on FOX
- 19 matches on FS1
- All FOX Sports broadcasts will also feature Spanish-language coverage on FOX Deportes
Canada
- The full schedule of TSN and RDS regular-season matches will be announced in the coming weeks
- Coverage will include at least one match per week featuring a Canadian MLS club
Streaming options and additional broadcast partners are expected to be confirmed as the season approaches.
How the MLS season works
The MLS regular season is split into Eastern and Western Conferences, with teams competing to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs.
- Points are awarded in standard league format
- Top teams from each conference qualify for the postseason
- The season concludes with the MLS Cup final
This structure remains central to the league’s identity and competitive balance.
Season 2 loading for @esmuellert_ 💪 pic.twitter.com/NpG19WkeBt
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 22, 2026
Why the 2026 MLS season matters ahead of the World Cup
The 2026 MLS season carries added significance with the World Cup on the horizon. Many MLS players will be intent on impressing during the regular season as they bid to secure national team places, while global audiences will be paying closer attention than ever to the league as the World Cup approaches.
For the league, the 2026 campaign represents both a competitive season and a showcase on the road to the biggest tournament in world football.
This season, due to the World Cup, MLS will be on pause between May 25 and July 16.