2026 MLS Schedule Revealed: Key Details Inside

MLS 2026 Schedule Revealed: Key Dates and Highlights

The Major League Soccer (MLS) calendar for the 2026 season has been officially released, marking a significant shift in the league’s structure and schedule. Unlike previous years, where the announcement was accompanied by much fanfare, this year’s release came with minimal publicity, yet it still managed to capture the attention of fans across the country.

One of the most anticipated aspects of the 2026 season is the World Cup break, which will take place from May 25 to July 16. This period is crucial for players participating in the FIFA World Cup, with May 25 being the mandatory reporting date. The last regular-season games before the break will be on May 23 and May 24, with the Philadelphia Union playing their final match of that stretch on May 24 against Inter Miami at the team’s new stadium, currently under construction near Miami’s airport.

This game will also be one of three Union regular-season matches scheduled for network television, with a prime-time kickoff on Fox. The other televised games are on March 14 against Atlanta United (also on Fox) and September 9 against FC Cincinnati on FS1.

International fans planning to attend the World Cup in the U.S. next summer can apply for a priority visa, streamlining their travel process. Meanwhile, the Union’s season will begin on February 21 with a road game against D.C. United, followed by their home opener on March 1 against New York City FC. The latter match is one of four home games with afternoon kickoffs, two in March and two in October.

Jay Sugarman, the team’s owner, has expressed his desire for the Union to gain more respect, emphasizing that winning the MLS Cup will be the key to achieving that goal. The league’s season will resume after the World Cup, with six games scheduled between the semifinals and final. However, the Union will not be involved in these games, as their campaign will restart on July 22 against Red Bull New York at Subaru Park.

Three days later, the Seattle Sounders will visit, followed by another marquee home game against Atlanta United on August 1. Messi’s potential visit to Philadelphia is set for August 19, although he might also appear closer to town on March 7 when D.C. United hosts Miami at M&T Bank Stadium. Fans could catch that game before the Union host the San Jose Earthquakes later that night.

The Union’s most notable road trip of the season will be their first matchup with San Diego FC on September 13. Though this game takes place after the school year resumes, it is expected to draw significant attention from fans. Another key game to watch is the Union’s visit to New York City FC on August 16, which will be the last time they play at Yankee Stadium before the Pigeons open their own home venue in Queens in 2027.

Weather conditions will also play a role in the schedule, with the Aug. 22 visit to Austin FC likely to be the most challenging due to the high temperatures in Texas. On the opposite end of the weather spectrum, the Union will face CF Montréal on April 11, when it will still be relatively chilly in Canada.

The regular season will conclude with Decision Day on November 7, featuring simultaneous kickoffs. After a week-long pause for the November FIFA window, the playoffs will begin, with the final expected to be held later in December than in recent years.

Behind a complete “body of work,” Union manager Bradley Carnell has been named MLS Coach of the Year. Additionally, the Leagues Cup will be played at some point in 2026, with the Union expected to participate. The exact schedule for this tournament will be announced later.

Another major change for the 2026 season is that it will be the last year with a summer-centric calendar. Starting in 2027, MLS will switch to a winter-centric schedule, featuring a short season in the first half of the year before launching a full calendar in July.

2026 Philadelphia Union Schedule

All games will be broadcast on Apple TV, with the league’s games now included in the same package as baseball, Formula 1, and scripted shows like Ted Lasso and Severance. Season ticket holders for the Union and all MLS teams will receive free access to Apple TV as part of their 2026 packages.

Here is the full 2026 schedule for the Philadelphia Union:

• Saturday, Feb. 21: at D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 1: vs. New York City FC, 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 7: vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 14: at Atlanta United, 3 p.m. (also on Fox29 and Fox Deportes)
• Saturday, March 21: vs. Chicago Fire, 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 4: at Charlotte FC, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 11: at CF Montréal, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 18: vs. D.C. United, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 22: at Toronto FC, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, April 25: at Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 2: vs. Nashville SC, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 9: at New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 13: at Orlando City, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, May 16: vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, May 24: at Inter Miami, 7 p.m. (also on Fox29 and Fox Deportes; last game before the World Cup break)
• Wednesday, July 22: vs. Red Bull New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, July 25: vs. Seattle Sounders, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 1: vs. Atlanta United, 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Aug. 16: at New York City FC, 6:30 p.m. (at Yankee Stadium)
• Wednesday, Aug. 19: vs. Inter Miami, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 22: at Austin FC, 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Aug. 29: at Red Bull New York, 7:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 5: vs. CF Montréal, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Sept. 9: vs. FC Cincinnati, 7:30 p.m. (also on FS1 and Fox Deportes)
• Sunday, Sept. 13: at San Diego FC, 9 p.m.
• Saturday, Sept. 19: at Sporting Kansas City
• Saturday, Sept. 26: vs. Orlando City SC
• Saturday, Oct. 10: vs. Real Salt Lake, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 14: at Chicago Fire, 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 17: vs. Charlotte FC, 2:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 24: vs. New England Revolution, 7:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 28: at Nashville SC, 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 31: at FC Cincinnati, time TBD
• Saturday, Nov. 7: vs. Toronto FC, 4 p.m.