The 2026 MLS regular season schedule is HERE, setting the stage for the league's 31st campaign. The 2026 slate includes Inter Miami CF opening Miami Freedom Park in April, as well as the FIFA 2026 World Cup in North America next summer. MLS will pause in late May ahead of the marquee event, then resume in July before the World Cup final.

There is still a lot we don’t know as league owners, MLS commissioner Don Garber and streaming partner Apple TV consider how to put the approved change into practice

MLS will pause after matches on May 24 and return to action on July 16, three days before the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The league's season had concluded before the December 2022 World Cup, but MLS went on just a nine-day hiatus in 2018, owing largely to the USMNT 's failure to qualify for that tournament.

MLS regular season to pause for FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted in North America 2026 MLS season highlighted by opening of Inter Miami CF’s new home at Miami Freedom Park

MLS's big break for the World Cup, when Lionel Messi will visit, and a big-time road trip for fans who can swing it.

All MLS play will pause for six weeks during the FIFA World Cup. Sporting KC’s final game before the World Cup — which includes matches at Arrowhead Stadium in KC— is May 23 at home against the New York Red Bulls. Sporting KC’s first game following the World Cup break is set for July 16, on the road against St. Louis City SC.

Major League Soccer announced its 2026 schedule Thursday. The Sounders will open the season against the Colorado Rapids on Feb. 22 at 6 p.m. at Lumen Field.

Should Inter Miami win in the East, they will host the MLS Cup Final next Saturday at Chase Stadium. If NYCFC emerges from the Eastern Conference, the winner of the Western Conference Final will host next weekend. That will make these matches interesting as we find out who will play for the MLS Cup on December 6th.