Major League Soccer opens the season with eyes on the World Cup and a schedule shift in 2027 - Associated Press News
AP News
February 20, 2026
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Major League Soccer (MLS) has kicked off its new season with a focus on aligning its schedule to support U.S. national team players competing in the World Cup and a major league restructuring set for 2027. The shift aims to minimize conflicts between MLS matches and international tournaments, ensuring more availability for players representing their country. This strategic adjustment reflects the growing importance of soccer at the global stage and underscores MLS’s commitment to developing top-tier talent.
The new schedule will seeMLS teams reduce the number of games played during key World Cup windows, allowing players to focus on national team duties without burnout. This move has been met with approval from both U.S. Soccer and player representatives, who view it as a step toward enhancing the overall quality of soccer in the United States. By prioritizing player welfare and international competition, MLS is aiming to build a stronger pipeline of talent for future World Cups.
Looking ahead, 2027 will bring further changes, including a revised league structure that could expand or reorganize its format. These adjustments are part of a broader effort to position MLS as a leading force in global soccer and attract more international attention. The league’s alignment with the World Cup schedule is seen as a proactive step toward building a deeper pool of players capable of competing at the highest level.
For fans, this means a more streamlined viewing experience during major international events, while players can focus on representing their country without compromising their club performances. The shift also signals MLS’s recognition of the growing interconnectedness of domestic and international soccer, as well as the need to adapt to global trends in player management.
Ultimately, these changes highlight how MLS is evolving to meet the demands of modern soccer, both domestically and internationally. By prioritizing player availability for the World Cup and planning ahead for 2027, MLS is setting itself up for long-term success on the global stage. This strategic approach not only benefits players but also enhances the league’s reputation as a competitive and forward-thinking organization.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/20/2026