MLS 2026 Season Gets Underway with Messi vs Son in LA

The much-anticipated MLS 2026 season is set to launch with an exhilarating matchup on February 21, as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami travels to Los Angeles to take on Son Heung-Min’s LAFC at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. This significant encounter is expected to capture the attention of soccer enthusiasts, despite St. Louis City kickstarting the season against Charlotte FC.

With the recent announcement of the 2026 schedule, the regular season will extend from February 21 to November 7, while the details for the playoffs will be released later. The playoffs will proceed smoothly during international breaks. This season marks the last full campaign on the current calendar, as the MLS aims to transition to a European-style summer schedule by 2027.

In notable changes, this season will feature the league's inaugural full broadcast on Apple TV beyond the MLS Season Pass paywall, allowing fans improved access to watch games without needing an additional subscription—bolstering audience engagement with top-notch soccer action.

A significant aspect of the 2026 season will be the FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The league plans a seven-week hiatus to permit player participation and accommodate matches hosted at MLS venues. Many national teams are also likely to use local facilities for training camps during the tournament. This break will lead to a packed schedule post-World Cup, with several weekday fixtures planned to maintain the regular season timeline through November 7.

Additionally, Inter Miami will inaugurate its new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4. This 25,000-seat facility marks a significant achievement for the team, with Messi featured in its opening game against Austin FC. Miami Freedom Park is set to be the first of three new stadiums in the MLS being introduced over the forthcoming years, with venues for New York City FC and Chicago Fire FC anticipated in 2027 and 2028.

Fox Networks will present 34 regular-season matches, including various doubleheaders leading up to the World Cup. Coverage will also continue through the MLS matches following the World Cup semifinals and finals. Fans can expect major fixtures such as Messi’s Miami facing off with Philadelphia and Son’s LAFC against Seattle Sounders.

Moreover, Tata Martino has returned to Atlanta United, set to manage his first competitive match against FC Cincinnati on February 21. The league will also host the 2026 MLS All-Star Game in Charlotte on July 29, shortly after the World Cup concludes, although format and opponents for the game remain yet to be determined.

Messi's involvement continues to attract larger crowds and increased ticket sales in the MLS, leading teams like D.C. United to shift match venues to larger NFL stadiums to accommodate demand, including a game against Messi in Baltimore at M&T Bank Stadium on March 7, following successful high-demand events in Kansas City and Cleveland.

As the 2026 season approaches, it is poised to deliver a blend of remarkable matches, star-studded appearances, new football ground experiences, and the excitement surrounding the World Cup, establishing it as one of the most eagerly awaited campaigns in MLS history. Fans can anticipate fierce competition and unforgettable moments as the league extends its influence in the U.S. and globally.