AIWorldNewz.com

MLS 2026 Season Schedule Announced Amid World Cup Hiatus

Source: MLS reveals 2026 schedule: Lionel Messi, Miami opener at L.A. Coliseum headlines season overshadowed by World Cup hiatus (2025-11-21)

Major League Soccer (MLS) has unveiled its 2026 season schedule, set against the backdrop of a historic World Cup hosted across North America. The season begins on February 21, 2026, and features a significant seven-week pause to accommodate the FIFA World Cup, which will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This unprecedented break pushes the MLS Cup final into mid-December, marking a notable shift in league planning. The regular season will conclude on November 7, with playoffs starting shortly after on November 18. The season's timing and structure reflect the league's adaptation to the expanded World Cup, which will feature more teams and matches than ever before, including five MLS stadiums hosting World Cup games. The break is longer than previous years, which typically saw a two-week pause, due to the tournament's prominence and the number of MLS players participating. The season will also see the debut of Lionel Messi with Inter Miami, with their opener scheduled at the iconic L.A. Coliseum, promising a thrilling start to the campaign. In addition to the schedule announcement, several recent developments highlight the evolving landscape of North American soccer. The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, expanding from 32, and will include matches in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. This expansion is expected to boost global viewership and elevate the profile of the sport in North America. MLS has also announced plans to increase its international player recruitment, aiming to attract top talent from Europe, South America, and Africa to enhance the league's competitiveness and appeal. The league is investing heavily in infrastructure, with new stadiums and upgrades in several markets, including a state-of-the-art facility in Austin, Texas, and renovations to existing venues in New York and Los Angeles. Furthermore, MLS is focusing on youth development and community engagement, launching new academies and grassroots programs to nurture local talent and grow the sport's popularity among younger audiences. The league's partnership with global broadcasters is expanding, with deals in place to stream matches on major platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV, ensuring wider accessibility. The 2026 season also coincides with the league's efforts to improve player welfare, including enhanced health protocols and mental health support, recognizing the physical and mental demands of a congested schedule. As the league prepares for this landmark season, the integration of Lionel Messi and other international stars is expected to draw record crowds and viewership, further cementing MLS's position on the global soccer stage. The season's structure, with its strategic break for the World Cup, exemplifies MLS's commitment to balancing domestic growth with international prestige, promising an exciting and transformative year for North American soccer fans.

More recent coverage