Major League Soccer unveiled its full 2026 regular-season schedule on Wednesday, locking in a historic calendar shaped around the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup — and delivering one of the most high-profile opening nights in league history: Inter Miami vs. LAFC, February 21, at the LA Coliseum, with Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min sharing the global spotlight.
Key Dates to Know - MLS Schedule 2026
- Opening Weekend (Feb. 21–23)
- Inter Miami vs. LAFC
- Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- Austin FC vs. Houston Dynamo
- Miami Freedom Park Debut — April 4
Inter Miami officially opens Miami Freedom Park against Austin FC. - World Cup Break (May 25–July 16)
A full seven-week pause during the FIFA World Cup. - Spotlight Rivalries
- El Tráfico — July 16
- Hell Is Real — August 29
- Cascadia Cup — September 12
- MLS All-Star Game — July 29 (Charlotte)
- Decision Day — November 7
Playoffs begin November 18 with no interruption from international breaks.
Broadcast Package
In the US, FOX Sports will carry 34 matches (15 on FOX, 19 on FS1). All others will stream on MLS Season Pass, which this year will be offered without the customary add-on fee.
Inter Miami Schedule
Inter Miami CF, buoyed by the global star power of Lionel Messi and bolstered by the momentum of their upcoming stadium debut at Freedom Park, has positioned itself not just as a domestic threat in Major League Soccer but as a global sporting franchise. The club’s blend of marquee talent, a world-class fan experience, and ambitions that reach well beyond American soccer mark it as a club to watch in 2026 and beyond.
The 2026 MLS schedule presented by @Ticketmaster is here!
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 20, 2025
Can’t miss a single moment in our new home, @miafreedompark.
History is calling 🗓️
More info here: https://t.co/arUZOHRlKG pic.twitter.com/YICXdktEBN
How the Schedule Shifts Futures Bets
| Team | Before | After | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami | +500 | +450 | Favorable early run; World Cup break aids Messi’s workload |
| LAFC | +650 | +600 | Coliseum opener boosts visibility; stable mid-season stretch |
| Columbus Crew | +750 | +750 | No major shifts; balanced draw |
The seven-week pause is the season’s most significant variable. Clubs with heavy international minutes benefit from recovery, while mid-table sides may struggle with momentum swings after the restart.
