Let’s be real for a second: the 2026 MLS season is going to feel like a fever dream. We’ve got the World Cup landing on our doorstep, a massive mid-season pause, and a Loons squad entering its 10th year in the league. Honestly, looking at the Minnesota United FC schedule, it’s clear the league office didn't do the players any favors with the travel, but for us fans? It’s a goldmine of high-stakes matchups and weirdly early starts.
If you’re still thinking about last season's playoff run—the one where we essentially lived rent-free in Seattle's head—you’re not alone. But it’s time to look forward. The 2026 calendar is officially out, and it’s packed with 34 matches, including some heavy-hitting non-conference games and a Decision Day finale that could be absolute chaos.
The Weirdness of the 2026 World Cup Break
Basically, the 2026 season is split into two distinct acts. Because the United States, Canada, and Mexico are hosting the FIFA World Cup, MLS is taking a massive six-week breather.
From May 25 to July 16, Allianz Field goes quiet. Well, mostly quiet—there’s talk of national teams using MLS facilities as base camps, so don’t be surprised if you see some global superstars grabbing a coffee in the North End. The Loons' final match before this hiatus is a home game against Real Salt Lake on Saturday, May 23. After that, the players basically go into a "summer hibernation" while the rest of the world watches the World Cup.
When they come back on July 22 against Sporting Kansas City, it’s going to be a sprint to the finish. That’s a long time to keep your legs fresh, and how Cameron Knowles manages that "second preseason" will likely decide if we're hosting playoff games or watching them from the couch.
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Breaking Down the 2026 Minnesota United FC Schedule
The Loons are kicking things off earlier than ever before. We start on the road in Texas against Austin FC on February 21. If you're planning on going, pack light, because it'll be a lot warmer there than in St. Paul.
The Home Opener and 10th Season Vibes
The real party starts on February 28. That’s the home opener against FC Cincinnati. It’s the earliest we’ve ever played a home game at Allianz Field. If you’re one of the first 10,000 through the gates, you’re snagging a 10th-season knit hat with a red pom. It’s a callback to the 2017 inaugural season, which, honestly, feels like a lifetime ago.
Key Home Matches to Circle
- March 22 vs. Seattle Sounders: This is the big one. It’s on FOX, it’s a rematch of the 2025 playoff thriller, and the Sounders will definitely be looking for revenge.
- April 25 vs. LAFC: Another nationally televised game. LAFC is always a measuring stick for how good the Loons actually are.
- August 19 vs. Atlanta United: This is the "10th Season Celebration Match." Atlanta was our first-ever home opponent back in the TCF Bank Stadium days (the snow game, anyone?), so there’s a lot of history here.
- November 7 vs. San Jose Earthquakes: Decision Day. Last game of the regular season. If things are tight in the Western Conference standings, this will be high-drama.
Road Trips and Rivalries
Travel is always a beast in the West. We’ve got road games in Vancouver (March 14), a trip to the new kids on the block, San Diego FC (April 11), and a late-season October trek to Colorado.
The schedule also features seven Wednesday matches. Those mid-week games are notorious "trap games." You’ve got tired legs, rotating rosters, and usually a smaller, more intense crowd. If the Loons want to finish top four, they have to find a way to pick up points in places like Dallas and Nashville on a random Wednesday night.
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The Preseason Warmup
Before the regular season even starts, the guys are heading to the Coachella Valley Invitational. This has become a bit of a tradition. Between February 7 and February 14, they’ll face Sporting KC, D.C. United, and Charlotte FC. It’s mostly about fitness and seeing if the new signings can actually link up with Tani Oluwaseyi and Kelvin Yeboah, but it’s our first look at the 2026 version of the Loons.
Cameron Knowles is officially at the helm now after Eric Ramsay headed off to West Brom, and preseason is where we’ll see if he’s sticking to the same tactical blueprint or shaking things up.
Ticketing and How to Watch
If you’re looking for single-game tickets, they usually go on sale in January. If you’re a Season Ticket Member, you already know the drill: you get the Apple TV subscription included, which is still the only way to see every single match without blackouts.
For the casual fan, keep an eye on those FOX games. Having two big home matches on national TV is a huge deal for the club's visibility, especially with the 10-year anniversary branding in full swing.
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What to Watch For
Honestly, the biggest challenge isn't the opponents; it's the rhythm. Starting in February, stopping for nearly two months in June, and then finishing in November is a bizarre way to play a soccer season.
We saw Kelvin Yeboah go on a tear last year, and if he and Robin Lod can find that chemistry early, those February and March games could provide a nice cushion. You don't want to be chasing the playoff line in October when you're playing four games in 14 days.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official MNUFC site and download the schedule to your phone. Trust me, you'll forget about those Wednesday night road games otherwise.
- Check Your Gear: If you’re going to the February 28 opener, dress for 20 degrees but pray for 40. Layers are your best friend at Allianz in February.
- Monitor the Roster: Keep an eye on the final international transfer window before the World Cup break; teams often make panic buys in May to prepare for the July restart.
- Plan Your Travel: If you're eyeing a road trip, San Diego on April 11 is the move. It’s a new stadium, great weather, and a chance to see how the Loons handle the expansion side's energy.
The 2026 season is going to be a marathon with a very long nap in the middle. Whether the Loons can wake up from that break and keep the momentum going will be the story of the year.