MLS 2026 season kicks off with Messi and Inter Miami seeking repeat title

The 2026 Major League Soccer season begins on February 21 with a full slate of opening day matches.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The 2026 Major League Soccer season is set to kick off on February 21, with Lionel Messi and defending champion Inter Miami looking to become the first team to win back-to-back MLS Cup titles since the LA Galaxy in 2011-2012. The new season will feature a summer break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the regular season concluding on November 7 and the playoffs beginning shortly after the November international break.

Why it matters

The 2026 MLS season is highly anticipated, with Messi's presence continuing to drive interest in the league. Other storylines include the Philadelphia Union looking to build on their Supporters' Shield-winning season, Nashville SC and Seattle Sounders defending their cup titles, and six clubs competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The details

The 2026 MLS season will open with a full slate of matches on February 21, including several high-profile rivalry games. Inter Miami will play their first five matches on the road due to construction of their new stadium, while CF Montreal will play their first six matches away from home due to weather and venue issues. The regular season will run through November 7, with a break for the 2026 World Cup from May 25 to July 16. The MLS playoffs will then begin shortly after the November international break.

  • The 2026 MLS season will begin on Saturday, February 21.
  • The regular season will conclude on November 7.
  • The MLS playoffs will begin shortly after the November 9-17 international break.

The players

Lionel Messi

The legendary Argentine forward who led Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup title and is looking to defend the championship in 2026.

Inter Miami

The defending MLS Cup champions, who are aiming to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the LA Galaxy in 2011-2012.

Philadelphia Union

The 2025 Supporters' Shield winners who are looking to prove their regular season success wasn't a fluke and redeem their postseason disappointment.

Nashville SC

The defending champions of various cup competitions from the 2025 season and hoping to defend those titles in 2026.

Seattle Sounders

The defending champions of various cup competitions from the 2025 season and hoping to defend those titles in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The 2026 MLS season will feature a summer break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the regular season concluding on November 7 and the playoffs beginning shortly after the November international break.

The takeaway

The 2026 MLS season promises to be an exciting one, with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami looking to defend their title, the Philadelphia Union aiming to build on their Supporters' Shield-winning campaign, and several clubs competing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The summer break for the World Cup will add an interesting wrinkle to the schedule, making the race for the MLS Cup even more compelling.