The wait is basically over. If you’ve been staring at an empty pitch since the MLS Cup wrapped up in December, the question of when does the MLS start isn't just a calendar check—it's a lifestyle reset. We are looking at a mid-February launch for the 2026 season. It's early. It's often cold. But for American soccer fans, it's the official start of the long march toward the most unique postseason in global football.
The 2026 season is particularly weird, honestly. Why? Because the FIFA World Cup is coming to North America this summer. That changes everything. Major League Soccer has to navigate a massive mid-season break while keeping the momentum of a league that is still riding the high of the "Messi Effect" and the expansion of San Diego FC.
The Official Kickoff: February 21, 2026
Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 21. That is the primary date for the opening weekend. However, keep an eye on Friday, February 20, for a standalone "curtain-raiser" match. MLS loves to put a spotlight on a single high-profile game—usually involving Inter Miami or the defending champions—to get the TV ratings moving before the rest of the league kicks off on Saturday.
Preseason actually starts way before that. Players report to camp in early January. They spend most of their time in Florida or Arizona trying to avoid the snow and getting their fitness levels up to par. If you're a die-hard fan, you’re probably already scouting those grainy YouTube livestreams of preseason friendlies by late January. It's a grind.
Why the 2026 Schedule is Different
Usually, the MLS season runs straight through with only minor breaks for international "FIFA windows." Not this time. With the 2026 World Cup hosted across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the league has to take a massive hiatus in June and July. This means the early start in February is even more critical than usual. They have to bank points early because the schedule is going to get incredibly congested in the autumn.
Think about it. You have the regular season, the Leagues Cup (that month-long tournament with Liga MX teams), the U.S. Open Cup, and for the top teams, the CONCACAF Champions Cup. It’s a lot of soccer.
San Diego FC is the new kid on the block this year. Their entry as the 30th franchise means the league is now perfectly balanced into two 15-team conferences. No more awkward "bye weeks" where your team sits out while everyone else plays. It makes the standings much easier to read at a glance, which is a relief for everyone who hates trying to calculate "points per game" in May.
The Messi Factor and Apple TV
Apple’s 10-year deal remains the gateway. If you’re asking when does the MLS start, you’re also asking when your MLS Season Pass subscription renews. Expect the first few weeks to be heavily tilted toward afternoon games in warmer climates. Nobody wants to play in a blizzard in Minneapolis in February, though it has happened. Looking at you, 2017.
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Inter Miami continues to be the primary draw. Whether Lionel Messi is starting every game or being managed for the big summer tournaments, the league revolves around the South Florida schedule. Most games will continue to kick off at 7:30 PM local time on Saturdays, a "standardization" that has received mixed reviews from fans who miss the random Sunday afternoon matchups.
Key Dates You Can't Ignore
- Training Camp Opens: Mid-January 2026.
- MLS Start Date: February 21, 2026.
- Rivalry Week: Usually scheduled for mid-May.
- World Cup Break: Late June through July.
- Decision Day: The final day of the regular season in October where all games kick off simultaneously.
- MLS Cup Final: Early December.
The "MLS Start" isn't just about the first whistle. It’s about the roster freeze dates and the primary transfer window, which opens in late January. This is when teams spend that "General Allocation Money" (GAM) and "Targeted Allocation Money" (TAM) that makes the MLS salary cap feel like you need a PhD in accounting to understand.
What to Watch For in the Early Weeks
Don't judge a team by their February performance. Seriously. The fields are often heavy, the weather is unpredictable, and new signings are usually still waiting on their P-1 visas. A team that looks like a disaster in March can easily lift the trophy in December. Look at the 2023 season—teams that started hot often fizzled out by the time the Leagues Cup rolled around in August.
Watch the "Snow Clasicos." There is almost always a game in the first three weeks where a bright orange ball is used because of a blizzard in Denver or Chicago. It’s peak MLS. It’s chaotic. It’s why we love it.
The League is also leaning harder into the "Young Designated Player" rule. Instead of just signing 35-year-old European stars, clubs are hunting for 19-year-old South American talents. The first few weeks of the season are the best time to see these kids before they inevitably get sold to the English Premier League for $20 million.
Making the Most of Opening Day
If you're planning to attend a match, buy tickets now. Opening day is historically a sell-out for almost every club, regardless of how bad they were the year before. Hope springs eternal in February.
- Check the local kickoff: 7:30 PM is the standard, but season openers often get moved for national broadcasts.
- Update your streaming apps: Ensure your MLS Season Pass is active at least 48 hours before kickoff to avoid login headaches.
- Dress for the elements: February soccer in the northern U.S. is a test of endurance. Layers are your friend.
- Follow the injury reports: With the early start, hamstring tweaks in preseason are common. Don't be surprised if your favorite star is on a "minutes restriction" for the first two weeks.
The 2026 season is going to be a sprint, then a pause for the World Cup, then a frantic dash to the finish. It’s the most important year in the history of North American soccer. Getting the start right is everything.
Actionable Next Steps
Check the official MLS website or the Apple TV app specifically on January 15th. This is traditionally when the full, minute-by-minute schedule with broadcast designations is released to the public. Once that drops, you can sync your digital calendar and book travel for away games before flight prices spike. If you plan on buying a season ticket, February 1st is typically the "point of no return" for most front offices to guarantee your seat for the home opener. Reach out to your local club's ticket office now if you want to avoid the secondary market markup for the first game of the year.