Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced a significant adjustment to its 2026 season calendar, implementing an unprecedented seven-week mid-season pause. This extensive break is specifically designed to accommodate the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, allowing national teams to prepare and participate without conflicting with the league schedule.
The league’s revised schedule, unveiled on November 20, details that the pause will commence on May 25, 2026. MLS competition is set to resume on July 16, just days before the FIFA World Cup Final, which is scheduled for July 19. This lengthy hiatus marks a substantial change compared to previous World Cup cycles, reflecting the unique demands and hosting responsibilities associated with the upcoming tournament on home soil.
Historically, MLS has adjusted its schedule during World Cups held abroad, but not to this extent. For instance, the league only had a nine-day break during the 2018 World Cup in Russia and a two-week pause for the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Notably, MLS did not interrupt its season at all for the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar. The current decision underscores the league’s commitment to supporting national teams and players, particularly with a significant number of MLS players expected to represent their countries in 2026, and to facilitate the host nation’s operational requirements.
Beyond the World Cup break, the 2026 MLS season is packed with notable events. The season is slated to kick off on February 21, 2026, with a high-profile matchup between Inter Miami and LAFC at the iconic LA Coliseum. The regular season will then conclude on November 7, 2026. A highlight for Inter Miami, featuring global superstar Lionel Messi, will be the inauguration of their brand-new home venue, Miami Freedom Park, early in the new season.
The 2026 regular season will see all MLS teams competing in 34 matches: 17 home games and 17 away games. The league maintains its structure of two conferences, Eastern and Western. While teams will primarily play against opponents within their respective conferences throughout the season, each club is also scheduled to face six teams from the opposing conference, leading up to the highly anticipated playoff rounds.
As preparations continue for the global spectacle, 42 of the 48 participating teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have already secured their qualification berths. The remaining spots are being fiercely contested, with FIFA recently conducting draws for the inter-confederation playoffs to determine the final two qualifiers, alongside the four remaining European qualification berths.
