The USA, Canada and Mexico would be the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which means hundreds of followers from across the globe will journey there to expertise an important sporting occasion on the planet. A state of affairs of that scale requires particular preparations, and that features Main League Soccer.
On Thursday, MLS introduced its calendar for the 2026 season and highlighted a significant change: the league will pause for practically two months to focus efforts on organizing the World Cup.
Starting Might 25, all MLS exercise will likely be suspended as preparations start to welcome the FIFA match, which is able to kick off on Thursday, June 11. That day, Mexico will take heart stage within the opening match at Estadio Azteca in opposition to a yet-to-be-determined opponent from Group A.
The World Cup ultimate is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Nevertheless, by that time the variety of matches within the FIFA match will likely be considerably decreased, permitting MLS to renew official play a number of days earlier: league matches are anticipated to return between July 16 and 17. In complete, the pause will final 52 days.
Key dates within the MLS 2026 calendar
In accordance with the schedule posted on the league’s official web site, the 2026 season will start the weekend of February 21–22. The match’s opening match is about for Saturday evening on the LA Coliseum between Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami. The presence of Heung-min Son and Lionel Messi will add a particular dimension to the matchup.
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Report: FIFA makes ultimate resolution on staff rosters for World Cup 2026 regardless of coaches’ needs
The subsequent main date on the calendar additionally entails the Herons. On April 4, Inter Miami will open their new stadium, Freedom Park, in a matchup in opposition to Austin FC. It will likely be their sixth recreation of the season however their first at house, as all earlier matches have been scheduled on the street.
The MLS All-Star Sport will happen on July 29, whereas the common season will conclude on November 7 with Determination Day. From there, every thing will likely be set for the convention playoffs and the chase for the MLS Cup.
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MLS 2025 TV Schedule USA and Streaming Hyperlinks
What number of 2026 World Cup matches will likely be performed in america?
With the expanded 48-team format, the 2026 World Cup would be the largest in historical past. A complete of 104 matches will likely be performed, a big enhance from the 64 staged up by means of Qatar 2022. It’ll even be the primary time three nations host the match. The one earlier multi-nation internet hosting was South Korea–Japan 2002.
Among the many three hosts, america is the primary organizer and can subsequently stage essentially the most video games. Of the 104 matches, 78 will likely be performed throughout 11 U.S. venues, whereas Mexico and Canada will host 13 every. The opening match will likely be in Mexico, whereas the ultimate will likely be held in New Jersey.
