Mls team-by-team preview: Why is 2026 your team's year as the league launches on a new streaming home
As the 2026 mls season kicks off with all 30 clubs taking the pitch for MLS is Back weekend, the league begins a bold new era: every match will be available on a global streaming platform, opening access in more than 100 countries and regions and promising no blackouts. That change arrives alongside landmark calendar shifts and production upgrades that could alter how fans follow their teams.
Mls opening weekend: dates, marquee matchups and attendance
All 30 clubs will play on MLS is Back weekend, scheduled for February 21 and 22, with 13 of 15 season openers on Saturday. The day features a standout opening match at the LA Coliseum where more than 70, 000 fans are expected to watch Inter Miami CF face Los Angeles FC at 9: 30 p. m. ET. The opening weekend also includes the first Sunday Night Soccer match at 7 p. m. ET when the LA Galaxy host New York City FC.
Every match on a new streaming home and what that means for viewers
Beginning this season, every match will be available on a single global streaming platform for subscribers in more than 100 countries and regions, with no blackouts promised. The platform will offer in-depth coverage, exclusive content, and matches beyond the regular season, including Leagues Cup, the Michelob ULTRA Campeones Cup, the MLS All-Star Game, and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
High-profile names and enhanced production
The season-opening Walmart Saturday Showdown will debut as a featured Saturday appointment, and will include enhanced production elements such as specially composed "Shot on iPhone" moments captured with dynamic angles intended to bring viewers closer to the action. The Saturday Showdown premiere is scheduled for February 21 when LAFC hosts Inter Miami live from the historic LA Memorial Coliseum at 9: 30 p. m. ET. Sunday Night Soccer returns with dedicated in-stadium pre- and postgame shows, enhanced production and bespoke graphics in English and Spanish across the primetime slate.
Star players, team moves and broadcast visibility
The opening weekend highlights a marquee matchup that pairs MLS MVP Lionel Messi and reigning MLS Cup champion Inter Miami CF against Son Heung-Min and LAFC. Thomas Müller, who is listed as a Vancouver Whitecaps FC attacking midfielder and a 2014 FIFA World Cup champion, joined Whitecaps FC last August and begins his first full season in the league this year; he has cited excitement about the season and the chance for fans everywhere to follow the team on the new streaming platform. All 30 clubs taking the pitch underscores the deep roster involvement expected across the league this year.
Midseason pause for the World Cup and the post-World Cup momentum
Play will pause in late May so fans, players, and communities can fully experience the FIFA World Cup being hosted in the region. All 13 World Cup host cities are home to MLS clubs, and a record number of MLS players will represent their countries. MLS stadiums and training facilities will host several of the world’s leading national teams. When league play resumes in the days leading up to the World Cup Final, league leadership expects significant momentum behind the competition.
Stadium milestones, calendar highlights and playoff timeline
Major milestones and marquee moments are built into the calendar: 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 is scheduled to take place in Charlotte on July 29, followed by Leagues Cup in August as the league renews its rivalry with LIGA MX. Decision Day is set for Nov. 7 and will set the stage for the postseason; later in November a month of uninterrupted Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs action will run, culminating in MLS Cup presented by Audi on Dec. 18.
How fans can follow scores, stats and matchday content
Fans can stay up to date on scores, stats, standings and their favorite clubs through a free sports app for iPhone tied into the league’s streaming experience. That app lets users move between scores and upcoming matches; explore play-by-play information, team stats, lineup details and live betting odds; and tap to watch matches in the streaming app. It also syncs with favorites selected within a My Sports experience and with a news app. With iOS 18 and watchOS 11, the Apple Spor unclear in the provided context.
This season’s convergence of a unified streaming home, signature weekly showcases, a World Cup pause and new stadium openings makes 2026 a pivotal year for clubs and supporters. Enjoy the season.
