MLS Kicks Off 2026 Season With Marquee Matchups

From Cincy's quest for glory to Messi vs. Son, the opening weekend has plenty of must-see action

Feb. 24, 2026 at 9:39pm

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The 2026 MLS season kicks off this weekend with a slate of highly anticipated matchups. FC Cincinnati, led by stars Evander and Kévin Denkey, look to take the next step after recent dominance. Atlanta United have brought back legendary manager Tata Martino to lead their star-studded roster. LAFC host reigning champions Inter Miami in the inaugural Walmart Saturday Showdown, featuring a clash between Son Heung-Min and Lionel Messi. The LA Galaxy aim to bounce back after a down year, while NYCFC look to build on their surprise 2025 playoff run.

Why it matters

The opening weekend of the 2026 MLS season features several marquee matchups that will set the tone for the rest of the campaign. Fans are eager to see if FC Cincinnati can finally break through and win their first MLS Cup, while the reunion of Tata Martino and Miguel Almirón in Atlanta has generated significant buzz. The Walmart Saturday Showdown between LAFC and Inter Miami is a highly anticipated early-season clash between two of the league's top contenders. These games will provide early clues as to which teams are primed for success in 2026.

The details

FC Cincinnati boast one of the league's most talented rosters, led by Designated Players Evander and Kévin Denkey. Atlanta United have brought back legendary manager Tata Martino to lead a star-studded squad that includes Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almirón and club-record signing Emmanuel Latte Lath. LAFC host reigning champions Inter Miami in the inaugural Walmart Saturday Showdown, featuring a clash between superstars Son Heung-Min and Lionel Messi. The LA Galaxy look to bounce back after a down year, while NYCFC aim to build on their surprise 2025 playoff run despite the long-term injury to star striker Alonso Martínez.

  • The 2026 MLS season kicks off this weekend.
  • FC Cincinnati and Atlanta United play on Saturday, February 25th at 4:45pm ET.
  • LAFC host Inter Miami in the Walmart Saturday Showdown on February 25th at 9:30pm ET.
  • NYCFC face the LA Galaxy on Sunday, February 26th at 7:00pm ET.

The players

Evander

A Designated Player for FC Cincinnati and perennial Landon Donovan MLS MVP candidate.

Kévin Denkey

A Designated Player for FC Cincinnati who won the Golden Boot in Belgium and scored 15 goals in his debut 2025 MLS season.

Tata Martino

The legendary manager who is returning to lead Atlanta United, the club he previously guided to MLS Cup glory in 2018.

Miguel Almirón

The Paraguayan star midfielder who previously played under Tata Martino at Atlanta United.

Emmanuel Latte Lath

Atlanta United's club-record signing, a $22 million transfer from the EFL Championship's Middlesbrough FC.

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What they’re saying

“We must make a big statement in our opening game this season. The fans are hungry for success and we're determined to deliver.”

— Marc Dos Santos, Head Coach, LAFC

“Tata's return has everyone excited. We know what he's capable of and we're ready to recapture that magic from 2018.”

— Miguel Almirón

What’s next

All eyes will be on these marquee matchups to see which teams set the tone early in the 2026 MLS season. Fans and pundits alike will be closely monitoring the performances of star players like Evander, Denkey, Almirón, and Messi as they look to lead their clubs to success.

The takeaway

The opening weekend of the 2026 MLS season promises to be full of high-stakes, high-profile action that will captivate fans across the league. With several of the top contenders facing off, these early-season clashes could have major implications for the rest of the campaign and set the stage for an exciting year of MLS soccer.