MLS - FIFA Calendar Alignment

On Thursday, November 13, the Major League Soccer Board of Governors voted to approve aligning the MLS competition calendar with the FIFA global calendar. The decision to transition the calendar to one that runs from summer to spring, mirroring the top soccer leagues in the world, represents a significant growth opportunity for the league. This creates the foundation for competitive alignment with top international competitions, reduces scheduling conflicts with FIFA international windows, and greatly improves access to top players in the global transfer market.

You can find more information and the timeline for the transition below:

UNCHANGED IN 2026

There will be no impact on the 2026 MLS season. The regular season will still run from February - October, with the same timeline and format for MLS Cup Playoffs. All 17 of our MLS home matches will be played at Lumen Field, including some on grass.

There will be a break in play during FIFA World Cup 2026, but annual competitions such as Leagues Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup will continue around the same time as 2025.

TRANSITION PERIOD

To accommodate the switch to the FIFA calendar, there will be a transition MLS season in spring 2027.

The condensed season will run from February - May of 2027, including 14 MLS Regular Season games, playoffs, and MLS Cup.

THE NEW CALENDAR

Following the conclusion of the transition season in spring of 2027, there will be a normal offseason before fully switching to the FIFA competition calendar.

The new MLS Regular Season Schedule will run from July 2027 - April 2028. The MLS Cup Playoffs will take place in May 2028.

The schedule will also include a winter break.

WHAT THIS MEANS

Better Soccer: Aligning with global windows elevates quality of play and transfer market flexibility.

Better Schedule: Opportunity to begin the season and stage postseason in warmer months. Expanded Lumen Field availability and reduced scheduling conflicts.

Better Postseason: Taking place annually in May, the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs will have better weather conditions for fans, no conflicts with FIFA international windows, and premier placement in the sports calendar.