MLS Eyes Transformative 2026 Season
MLS commissioner Don Garber described 2026 as a "transformative year" with the FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States expected to boost soccer's domestic profile. The league anticipates a surge in youth participation, sponsorship, and global attention, building on the "Messi fever" that has driven record ticket sales and media attention since Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest in history with 48 teams, and matches will be held in 11 U.S. cities: Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle. - Historically, the 1994 World Cup hosted by the U.S. was a major catalyst for professional soccer's growth in the country, leading directly to the inaugural season of Major League Soccer in 1996. That tournament set an attendance record of nearly 3.6 million, which still stands despite the tournament expanding. - In a significant media shift for 2026, MLS and Apple have eliminated the separate "MLS Season Pass" subscription; all matches will now be available globally as part of the standard Apple TV subscription service. - Following the World Cup, MLS and Mexico's LIGA MX will hold the fourth edition of the Leagues Cup from August 4 to September 6, 2026. The tournament will feature all 18 LIGA MX clubs and 18 qualifying MLS teams. - The league is preparing for a major structural change in 2027, when it will shift from its current spring-to-fall schedule to a summer-to-spring calendar to better align with the international soccer world, particularly European leagues. - The league's expansion continues to be a factor in its growth, with San Diego FC set to become the 30th team in 2025 after paying a reported $500 million expansion fee. - The league's developmental division, MLS NEXT Pro, will also expand to 30 teams for its 2026 season and will play its schedule uninterrupted through the FIFA World Cup.
