Major League Soccer (MLS) begins its 31st season this weekend, starting another big campaign in a year that will also host the FIFA World Cup in the United States. Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami CF as they defend their 2025 MLS Cup title against 29 other teams.
It has been 32 years since the United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, two years before MLS was launched in 1996. Now, three decades later, the league is aiming to strengthen its position among the world’s top football competitions.
Alongside Messi, other global stars will compete for the trophy. Los Angeles FC’s Heung-min Son and Vancouver Whitecaps’ Thomas Müller are set for their first full MLS season after arriving last summer. Both players made an immediate impact during their debut campaigns.
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End of an era and major changes ahead
MLS has changed significantly since its launch in 1996. All ten original teams are still active, though each has changed its name, crest or both over time. This season will also mark the final full campaign under the traditional spring-to-fall format.
From 2027, MLS will shift to a summer-to-spring calendar, aligning with European leagues like the Premier League, La Liga and Serie A. To prepare for the transition, the league will stage a shortened 14-game season from February to May next year before fully adopting the new schedule.
The season opens with “MLS Is Back” weekend on February 22–23, with all 30 clubs in action. Inter Miami begin their title defence away to LAFC at BMO Stadium. Miami will also play their first match at Miami Freedom Park on April 5 against Austin FC.
With the 2026 World Cup taking place in the United States, MLS will pause its season from May 26 to July 16. Eleven host cities and multiple club training facilities will be used for the tournament, requiring a mid-season break.
The league resumes on July 17–18 with major rivalry fixtures, including Los Angeles Galaxy vs LAFC. Decision Day will close the regular season on November 7.
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Title contenders and players to watch
Inter Miami could become only the third team in MLS history to win back-to-back titles. Messi, who scored 35 goals in 34 league matches last season, remains the key figure. The squad also includes Sergio Busquets, Sergio Reguilon, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul. The club has strengthened further by signing German Berterame for $15 million in January.
LAFC are expected to challenge strongly. Son’s arrival transformed the team, forming a powerful partnership with Denis Bouanga. The duo contributed 25 goals and eight assists last season. Bouanga alone scored 26 goals and provided nine assists. LAFC have also added Stephen Eustaquio on loan from Porto.
Vancouver Whitecaps are aiming to become the second Canadian club to win the title. Thomas Müller impressed last season with seven goals and three assists in seven matches, helping the team reach the final.
James Rodriguez, now with Minnesota United, is another player to watch as he begins his MLS journey.
When and where to watch?
All MLS matches will now be available to Apple TV subscribers in over 100 countries at no extra cost. The standalone MLS Season Pass has been discontinued, and there will be no blackouts. Enhanced broadcast features, including dynamic “Shot on iPhone” angles, will be introduced throughout the season.
