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MLS 2026 Season Kicks Off with Messi’s Spectacular Return and World Cup Break

Source: MLS 2026 schedule: Key dates, Messi spectacles and World Cup-related tweaks - The Athletic (2025-11-21)

The 2026 Major League Soccer season promises an electrifying lineup, highlighted by Lionel Messi’s debut with Inter Miami and a schedule that aligns with the FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Starting on February 21, the season features a marquee opening match between Inter Miami and LAFC at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, marking LAFC’s first game there. The league’s final full season on the current calendar will transition to a summer schedule in 2027, aligning with European leagues, and will be broadcast exclusively on Apple TV outside the MLS Season Pass paywall. Notably, the season will include a seven-week break for the World Cup, which will be hosted across five MLS stadiums, with record player participation expected. The playoffs and MLS Cup date will be announced later, but the postseason will proceed without interruption from FIFA international windows. This season also marks a significant shift in MLS media strategy, with increased global viewership potential and a focus on integrating top international stars like Messi, Son Heung-Min, and others, boosting the league’s profile worldwide. Additionally, MLS is expanding its digital footprint by streaming matches on Apple TV, aiming to reach a broader, more diverse audience. The 2026 season is set to redefine MLS’s global presence, fan engagement, and competitive landscape, making it one of the most anticipated campaigns in league history. Recent developments include the league’s strategic move to enhance international appeal, with partnerships that will bring more high-profile players and global broadcasts. The league is also investing heavily in stadium infrastructure, with new venues opening in St. Louis, Sacramento, and other markets, further solidifying its national footprint. The MLS All-Star Game will feature a special international exhibition, and the league plans to introduce innovative fan engagement technologies, such as augmented reality experiences and interactive broadcasts, to elevate viewer experience. Moreover, MLS is working closely with FIFA to ensure seamless scheduling around the World Cup, which is expected to draw record global viewership, surpassing previous tournaments. The league’s commitment to sustainability is also evident, with new eco-friendly stadium initiatives and green energy programs being implemented across multiple clubs. As MLS prepares for this historic season, the focus remains on elevating the sport’s profile in North America and globally, leveraging the star power of players like Messi to attract new fans and foster local talent development. The 2026 MLS season is poised to be a landmark year, blending international excitement, technological innovation, and strategic growth to propel the league into a new era of success and global recognition.

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