MLS 2026 Season: Schedule, Standings & Playoff Race Guide

Major League Soccer was founded in 1993 and began play in 1996, and has grown steadily since into one of the faster-expanding top-flight leagues in the world. Here's how the 2026 season is structured. If you're new to IPTV, our full IPTV explainer covers the fundamentals.

Regular Season Format

Clubs are split into Eastern and Western Conferences and play a regular season running roughly from February or March through early October, with the exact game count and schedule set by the league each year as the number of clubs has continued to grow through expansion.

Playoff Format

MLS uses a playoff bracket seeded within each conference, with the top-placed teams from East and West advancing through knockout rounds toward the MLS Cup, awarded to the winner of the final between the two conference finalists.

Key Dates

The regular season typically opens in late February or early March and runs into October, with the playoffs and MLS Cup final following through November. Note that 2026 is also a FIFA World Cup year hosted across the US, Canada and Mexico, which can affect scheduling around the tournament window — always check MLS's official calendar for confirmed dates.

FAQ

How is the MLS Cup decided? Through a playoff bracket seeded within each conference, culminating in a final between the Eastern and Western Conference playoff winners.

Does the World Cup affect the MLS schedule? In years the US, Canada or Mexico host or participate heavily, league schedules can be adjusted around the tournament window — check the official MLS calendar for how 2026 specifically is affected.

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