2026 MLS Fixtures, Key Dates
2026 MLS Fixtures, Key Dates

The Major League Soccer (MLS) 2026 season officially runs from February 21 to November 7, 2026, delivering one of the most unique and globally watched campaigns in league history. With 30 clubs competing across North America and a historic midseason pause for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this year’s schedule stands out for both its structure and significance.

Because the complete MLS 2026 regular-season schedule includes more than 510 matches, fans are best served by using official schedule platforms for real-time access. This guide provides a clear breakdown of the season format, key dates, and direct links to verify every fixture instantly.

Read more:

- Full List of All 30 MLS Teams in 2026: Founding, Owners, Titles, Stars, and Season Outlook

- MLS 2026 Full Schedule: Key Dates, World Cup Break, and What Fans Need to Know

Overview of the MLS 2026 Regular Season

Major League Soccer enters the 2026 campaign with:

  • 30 teams

  • 34 regular-season matches per club

  • Balanced conference and interconference scheduling

  • A seven-week pause for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

  • MLS Cup Playoffs beginning after Decision Day

Each club plays 17 home matches and 17 away matches, with standings determining playoff qualification in both conferences.

MLS 2026 Season Key Dates

Here is the complete competitive timeline for the MLS 2026 regular season:

Opening Weekend

February 21–22, 2026
All 30 teams begin their 34-match campaigns.

First Competitive Phase

February 21 – May 25, 2026

  • Weekly Saturday match windows

  • Select Sunday fixtures

  • Midweek matches (primarily Wednesdays)

  • Early rivalry fixtures

  • Conference and cross-conference games

Quick Reference Timeline
Quick Reference Timeline

2026 FIFA World Cup Break

May 25 – July 16, 2026
MLS pauses regular-season competition during the World Cup, hosted across North America. No league matches are played during this period.

Season Resumption

July 16–17, 2026
League play resumes with a full slate of matches.

Summer & Fall Stretch

July 17 – November 7, 2026

  • Rivalry Week matchups

  • MLS All-Star Week (late July)

  • Increased midweek matches in September and October

  • Playoff qualification race intensifies

Decision Day

November 7, 2026
All teams play their final regular-season matches simultaneously. Final standings are confirmed, and playoff spots are secured.

MLS 2026 Schedule Format Explained

The 2026 schedule follows the league’s standard competitive model:

  • Teams primarily face conference opponents multiple times.

  • Interconference matches rotate annually.

  • Match times are centralized for broadcast consistency.

  • Most games are played on Saturdays to maximize attendance and global viewership.

Fans should expect:

  • 2–3 matches per week during congested periods

  • International player absences before and after the World Cup break

  • High-profile derby matches distributed across the calendar

Where to Check the Full MLS 2026 Schedule

Because listing every match individually would be excessively long and subject to change, the most accurate and updated sources are official platforms.

1. Official MLS Schedule Page (Primary Source)

MLS Official Fixtures & Results:
https://www.mlssoccer.com/schedule

This page allows fans to:

  • Filter by team

  • Filter by date

  • View kickoff times

  • Access stadium details

  • Check broadcast listings

  • Track schedule updates

This is the most reliable and up-to-date resource.

2. Team-Specific Schedule Pages

Each MLS club maintains its own official fixture list. Examples include:

  • Inter Miami CF

  • LA Galaxy

  • Seattle Sounders FC

  • Atlanta United FC

Club websites provide:

  • Complete 34-match schedules

  • Home and away splits

  • Ticket purchasing links

  • Stadium information

  • Local broadcast details

3. ESPN MLS Fixtures

ESPN MLS Schedule Page:
https://www.espn.com/soccer/league/fixtures/_/name/usa.1

ESPN offers:

  • Daily match listings

  • Time zone conversion

  • Television broadcast information

  • Quick navigation by team

Why the MLS 2026 Season Is Historically Significant

The 2026 campaign is unique for several reasons:

  1. It coincides with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

  2. It includes one of the longest scheduled midseason pauses in MLS history.

  3. It represents continued league expansion and international growth.

  4. Global soccer attention in North America will be at an all-time high.

The World Cup break creates a natural division in the season, effectively producing two competitive phases.

Final Notes for Fans

Match times and venues may change due to:

  • Broadcast scheduling adjustments

  • Weather conditions

  • Stadium conflicts

  • International tournament commitments

For the most accurate and updated MLS 2026 schedule, always verify through the official MLS website before making travel or ticket arrangements.

Primary Reference:
https://www.mlssoccer.com/schedule