MLS schedule is straight-up messing with my head already, and it’s only December. Like, I’m huddled up in my drafty apartment here in Brooklyn—cold brew gone flat on the windowsill, scarf from last game’s tailgate still draped over the chair—and I’m scrolling through the official 2026 MLS schedule trying to wrap my brain around it. I’ve been an MLS fan for years now, but man, this one with the massive World Cup break feels different. Anyway, here’s my unfiltered take, typos and all, cuz who has time for perfection when soccer’s calling.
Why the 2026 MLS Schedule Feels Extra Chaotic to Me
Confession: I almost freaked out when I realized the MLS schedule has this huge seven-week pause for the World Cup. Season kicks off February 21-22 with that full MLS is Back weekend—every team playing, hype levels maxed. Then it rolls along till late May, and poof, break from May 25 to July 16 while the World Cup takes over North America. I remember thinking “wait, no MLS games all summer?” and yeah, it hit hard. Last time there was any kinda break I ended up bingeing old matches and eating way too much takeout. But honestly, it’s cool too—World Cup energy spilling right back into MLS games when it restarts with rivalries on July 16-17.
For the full official MLS schedule details, check out the announcement on MLSSoccer.com. They dropped it last month and it’s got everything laid out.
How the MLS Schedule Breaks Down This Year (My Way)
Basic structure’s the same—30 teams (wait, still 30? Yeah, San Diego’s in now I think), 34 games each, heavy on conference matchups. But that World Cup break splits it weirdly. First part: Feb to May, building steam. Then nothing till mid-July. Comes back swinging though.
- Kickoff: Feb 21-22, full slate—Inter Miami at LAFC in the Coliseum opener sounds epic.
- Big moment: Inter Miami finally opens Miami Freedom Park April 4 vs Austin. Messi magic incoming.
- Pause: After games on May 24, off till July 16.
- All-Star: July 29 in Charlotte (skills challenge day before).
- Decision Day: Nov 7, simultaneous games for all the drama.
- Playoffs: Starts after November intl window, uninterrupted run to MLS Cup.
I screwed up once mixing up a restart date in a past season—showed up to watch party for nothing. Lesson learned: double-check everything.
Tips From My MLS Schedule Survival Kit
All games stream on Apple TV now—no extra pass needed, just your subscription. Huge upgrade, cuz blackouts used to kill me. Some on FOX/FS1 too. Full viewing info over at Apple TV MLS page.
My messed-up routine that kinda works:
- Apple TV app first—schedule’s clean, shows your fave team easy.
- Official MLS app for alerts (lineups, goals, all that).
- Google calendar sync, but I still manually add big MLS games after forgetting one and looking like an idiot.
Don’t judge, but I once missed a midweek game cuz I thought it was weekend only. Cold pizza regret is real.
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That MLS Schedule Endgame and Playoffs Drama
After Decision Day Nov 7, quick FIFA window, then playoffs roll straight—no stops. Top teams per conference, wild cards, best-of-3 early, single elim later probably. Details TBD, but check updates on MLSSoccer.com playoffs.