Mls team-by-team preview: Why is 2026 your team's year? mls season kicks off on Apple TV
As the 2026 season begins, mls will stage its biggest opening weekend in League history with all 30 clubs in action. The campaign launches amid the return of the FIFA World Cup to North America and a full-season distribution shift to Apple TV.
Mls season opener details
Major League Soccer begins its 31st season over MLS is Back weekend on February 21 and 22, with all 30 teams taking the pitch. Thirteen of the 15 season openers are scheduled for Saturday, creating a packed opening day. Tomorrow is described as the biggest opening weekend in League history, and the day is highlighted by the debut of Walmart Saturday Showdown.
Opening weekend marquee matchups
More than 70, 000 fans will be at the LA Coliseum to watch Inter Miami CF face Los Angeles FC at 9: 30 p. m. ET. That LAFC–Inter Miami meeting will premiere the Walmart Saturday Showdown presentation. The opening weekend will be rounded out by Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire, when the LA Galaxy host New York City FC at 7 p. m. ET.
Apple TV rollout and access
Beginning this season, every MLS match will be available on Apple TV. Apple TV subscribers in more than 100 countries and regions will have access to every match with no blackouts, along with in-depth coverage, exclusive content, and matches beyond the regular season such as the annual Leagues Cup tournament, Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup, the MLS All-Star Game, and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
Star power and new production features
The Saturday Showdown presentation will spotlight a featured matchup each Saturday and include enhanced production elements, notably “Shot on iPhone” moments meant to capture dynamic angles. The debut Showdown will premiere on February 21 as LAFC hosts Inter Miami at 9: 30 p. m. ET live from the historic LA Memorial Coliseum. The presentation notes a marquee matchup of global soccer icons: MLS MVP Lionel Messi and the reigning MLS Cup champion Inter Miami CF face off against Son Heung-Min and LAFC.
Player, stadium and event milestones
League officials note the return of the World Cup to the region is driving energy across MLS and the sport in the U. S. and Canada. All 13 World Cup host cities are home to MLS clubs. League play will pause in late May so fans, players, and communities can fully experience the World Cup. A record number of MLS players will represent their countries, and MLS stadiums and training facilities will host several of the world’s leading national teams. When the season resumes in the days leading up to the World Cup Final, the League expects strong momentum.
The season schedule features several milestones: on April 4 Inter Miami CF will open Miami Freedom Park, described as MLS’s newest soccer stadium. After the World Cup, the MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime will take place in Charlotte on July 29, followed by Leagues Cup in August as MLS renews its rivalry with LIGA MX. Decision Day on Nov. 7 will set the stage for the postseason, and later that month a month of uninterrupted Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs action will culminate in MLS Cup presented by Audi on Dec. 18.
How fans can follow matches
Sunday Night Soccer presented by Continental Tire returns on February 22 at 7 p. m. ET with a bicoastal showdown between the LA Galaxy and New York City FC, featuring dedicated in-stadium pre- and postgame shows, enhanced production, and bespoke graphics in English and Spanish. Fans can stay up to date on scores, stats, standings, and clubs through the free Apple Sports app for iPhone, which offers play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details, live betting odds, and a tap-to-watch experience on the Apple TV app. Apple Sports will sync with favorites selected in the My Sports experience, including in the Apple TV app and Apple News. With iOS 18 and watchOS 11, the Apple Spor unclear in the provided context.
Thomas Müller, identified as a Vancouver Whitecaps FC attacking midfielder and 2014 FIFA World Cup champion, said all eyes are on North America as the MLS season kicks off and the World Cup approaches. He added that after joining Whitecaps FC last August he is excited to begin his first full season in MLS, help the team build on what they started, and give fans everywhere the chance to follow their journey on Apple TV, calling it a great opportunity for his club and the league to shine in an important year for the sport.
League leadership thanks supporters of local clubs and MLS and encourages fans to enjoy the season.
Closing: The 2026 MLS season opens in full this weekend with new presentation formats, a full Apple TV distribution, major stadium and event dates through December 18, and a World Cup pause in late May.
