The 2026 MLS regular season schedule is here, setting the stage for a massive year in North American soccer.
Before FIFA 2026 World Cup fever takes over, MLS is Back on Feb. 21-22. The league will pause from May 25-July 16 for next summer's marquee tournament, then resume through Decision Day (Nov. 7) and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
As fans plan matchdays with family and friends, here are 10 can't-miss games – whether you're in person or watching worldwide on Apple TV.
- When: Saturday, Feb. 21 | 9:30 pm ET
- Where: Los Angeles Coliseum
Two iconic clubs open their seasons in an iconic setting, as LAFC host Inter Miami CF at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
The nearly 78,000-capacity venue has hosted some of the most memorable cultural and sporting events of the past century, making it a fitting location for a highly anticipated matchup between two of MLS’s biggest stars: Lionel Messi and Son Heung-Min.
- When: Sunday, Feb. 22 | 7 pm ET
- Where: Dignity Health Sports Park
The first Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire game of the year brings us a big-market showdown between the LA Galaxy and New York City FC.
All eyes will be on returning Galaxy superstar Riqui Puig, a key piece of the club’s MLS Cup 2024-winning squad who missed all of this season with an ACL tear.
- When: Saturday, Feb. 28 | 9:30 pm ET
- Where: BC Place
It’s an all-Canadian affair at BC Place, where Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Toronto FC.
Thomas Müller and the ‘Caps will look to make an early-season statement against a TFC side aiming for a major performance in their second year under head coach Robin Fraser.
- When: Saturday, April 4 | 7:30 pm ET
- Where: Miami Freedom Park
A dream years in the making becomes a reality for Inter Miami on April 4, when they play their inaugural match at 25,000-seat Miami Freedom Park.
The Herons welcome Austin FC for a historic game that marks the latest milestone in their transformative Lionel Messi-led project.
- When: Saturday, May 2 | 9:30 pm ET
- Where: Snapdragon Stadium
With regional bragging rights in play, marquee stars and two of the league’s most passionate fanbases, this budding SoCal rivalry has all the makings of a new classic.
San Diego FC vs. LAFC are already must-watch games, including this Matchday 11 clash featuring Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano vs. Son and Denis Bouanga.
- When: Thursday, July 16 | 10:30 pm ET
- Where: Lumen Field
When league action resumes ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, Cascadia Cup rivals Seattle and Portland clash in the Pacific Northwest.
The Sounders are coming off a Leagues Cup 2025 title, while Portland have made the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in back-to-back seasons.
- When: Friday, July 17 | 8 pm ET
- Where: GEODIS Park
Nashville have star power in DPs Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, who come up against Tata Martino’s side in the legendary Argentine manager's first year back with the Five Stripes.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 18 | 7 pm ET
- Where: TQL Stadium
A high-stakes Hell is Real derby right around Halloween? Sign us up.
This game will likely have serious 2026 postseason implications. It will certainly have the memories of FC Cincinnati eliminating the Columbus Crew in Round One of the 2025 playoffs.
- When: Sunday, Oct. 25 | 9 pm ET
- Where: BMO Stadium
El Tráfico always produces fireworks, and this late-season edition has the makings of an instant classic.
With superstars on both sides, led by Son Heung-Min and Riqui Puig, LAFC and LA Galaxy could be battling for the Western Conference's top seed.
- When: Saturday, Nov. 7 | 4 pm ET
- Where: Miami Freedom Park
While we don't have a crystal ball for what Decision Day games will have the biggest implications, this Miami vs. Charlotte meeting seems like a good starting point.
Who knows? Maybe there are Supporters’ Shield and Golden Boot presented by Audi implications up for grabs.
Charlotte FC vs. Nashville SC
- When: Saturday, April 11 | 7:30 pm ET
- Where: Bank of America Stadium
These Eastern Conference rivals will look to build on their club-record points total from last season. Wilfried Zaha and Pep Biel take center stage for hosts Charlotte.
New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC
- When: Saturday, May 16 | 7:30 pm ET
- Where: Sports Illustrated Stadium
The Hudson River Derby always delivers. Red Bull aim to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time in 16 years, while NYCFC remain a model of consistency.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- When: Sunday, Aug. 16 | 9 pm ET
- Where: Lumen Field
This Cascadia Cup clash sees perennial MLS Cup contenders from Seattle host a transformed Whitecaps side led by German icon Thomas Müller.
