Mls season kicks off on Apple TV as all 30 clubs take the pitch
The 2026 mls season launches on Apple TV this weekend, with all 30 clubs scheduled for MLS is Back weekend on February 21 and 22 and enhanced national windows slated to spotlight marquee matchups.
Opening weekend set for February 21–22
All 30 teams will take the pitch for MLS is Back weekend on February 21 and 22, with 13 of the 15 season openers scheduled for Saturday, February 21. The day’s marquee kickoff at 9: 30 p. m. ET will pit Inter Miami CF against Los Angeles FC at the LA Memorial Coliseum, where more than 70, 000 fans are expected to attend. Sunday’s national primetime match on February 22 features LA Galaxy hosting New York City FC at 7 p. m. ET.
Mls on Apple TV and a new Saturday Showdown window
Beginning this season, every MLS match will be available on Apple TV, and Apple TV subscribers in more than 100 countries and regions can watch matches with no blackouts. A new Walmart Saturday Showdown series will premiere on February 21 with enhanced production, including “Shot on iPhone” moments and dynamic angles intended to bring viewers closer to the action.
Messi, Son and a high-profile Saturday showcase
Saturday Showdown will spotlight a marquee matchup of global stars: MLS MVP Lionel Messi and reigning MLS Cup champion Inter Miami CF face Son Heung-Min and LAFC to kick off their seasons. That matchup is billed as a headline attraction amid the broader slate of 13 Saturday openers on February 21.
Sunday Night Soccer returns with enhanced production
Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire returns on February 22 at 7 p. m. ET with the LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC matchup. The primetime window will include in-stadium pre- and postgame shows, bespoke graphics in English and Spanish, and enhanced production across the regular season.
Players, World Cup pause and stadium milestones
Commissioner Don Garber framed the season against the return of the FIFA World Cup to North America, saying the tournament is driving unprecedented energy for MLS and the sport in the U. S. and Canada. League play will pause in late May so fans, players, and communities can experience the World Cup; all 13 host cities are home to MLS clubs, and a record number of MLS players will represent their countries while MLS stadiums and training facilities host several leading national teams.
Schedule highlights through the end of the year
The season includes several confirmed milestones: Inter Miami CF will open Miami Freedom Park on April 4; the MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime is scheduled for Charlotte on July 29; Leagues Cup returns in August and will renew the rivalry with LIGA MX; Decision Day is set for Nov. 7; the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs will run in November; and MLS Cup presented by Audi is scheduled for Dec. 18.
Player reaction and fan tools
Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Thomas Müller, a 2014 World Cup champion who joined Whitecaps FC last August, said, “All eyes are on North America this year as the MLS season kicks off this week and the World Cup approaches. ” He added he is excited to begin his first full season in MLS and to give fans the chance to follow the team’s journey on Apple TV. Fans can follow scores, stats, standings, lineups and play-by-play on the free Apple Sports app for iPhone, which also offers live betting odds and syncs with favorites across the My Sports experience and the Apple TV app and Apple News.
With the league streaming every match on Apple TV and new national presentation windows in place, the immediate calendar moves from MLS is Back weekend (February 21–22) toward Inter Miami’s April 4 stadium opening and a league pause in late May for the World Cup.
