MLS 2026 Schedule Explained: Key Dates, World Cup Break, and What Fans Need to Know MLS 2026 Schedule Explained: Key Dates, World Cup Break, and What Fans Need to Know
How to Watch MLS 2026: Apple TV Subscription, End of MLS Season Pass How to Watch MLS 2026: Apple TV Subscription, End of MLS Season Pass
Best Legal & Free Ways to Watch Soccer in the U.S. in 2026 (MLS, International Football, No Cable)
For soccer fans in the United States in 2026, there are more legal and free ways than ever before to watch your favorite sport without cable. Getty Images

Soccer Viewing in the U.S. Is Different — Here’s Why

In the United States, soccer broadcasting rights are highly fragmented and strictly enforced. Unlike some countries where national broadcasters show most matches for free, U.S. viewers rely on a mix of league-owned platforms, streaming partners, and free ad-supported services.

As of 2026, it is possible to watch soccer legally and at low or zero cost — but only if you understand:

  • which platforms own the rights,

  • which matches are occasionally free,

  • and how to use trials and over-the-air broadcasts correctly.

This guide explains exactly that, with no illegal shortcuts.

Read more: Top 31 Free Streaming Sites to Watch Soccer Online (Legally)

Comparison Table: Legal & Free Soccer Options in the U.S.

Comparison Table: Legal & Free Soccer Options in the U.S.
Comparison Table: Legal & Free Soccer Options in the U.S.

1. Major League Soccer (MLS): The Reality of Free Access in the U.S.

Official Rights Holder: Major League Soccer

Since 2023, Apple TV holds exclusive global streaming rights to MLS.

Where MLS Is Streamed

Can You Watch MLS for Free?

Yes — legally, but with limitations:

  1. Free Match Windows
    Apple TV regularly offers:

    • select MLS matches free each week

    • MLS Cup Final streamed free globally

    • opening weekend matches free access
      Official announcements: https://www.apple.com/newsroom/

  2. Apple TV Free Trial
    New users can use Apple TV’s trial to watch full MLS matches legally.

  3. Over-the-Air MLS Matches
    A limited number of MLS games are broadcast on FOX or FOX Sports during marquee events.
    FOX Sports schedule: https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/mls

Important:

There is no permanent free full-season MLS access in the U.S. Any website claiming otherwise is illegal.

2. FIFA+ – The Only Truly Free Global Soccer Platform

Platform: FIFA+

Official site: https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus

What FIFA+ Offers for Free:

  • Live matches (youth, women’s, select international competitions)

  • Full match replays

  • Documentaries and archives

  • National team football content

What It Does Not Offer:

  • Premier League, MLS full seasons

  • UEFA Champions League

FIFA+ is best for international football fans and casual viewers.

3. Free Ad-Supported Streaming (FAST) Services with Soccer Content

Tubi

Website: https://tubitv.com

Tubi offers:

  • Free soccer highlights

  • Sports analysis channels

  • Select live events through licensed partners

No account or payment required.

Pluto TV

Website: https://pluto.tv

Pluto TV provides:

  • Live sports news channels

  • Soccer talk shows and replays

  • Match highlights

These platforms are supplemental, not replacements for full live leagues.

4. Over-the-Air (OTA) TV: Free Soccer Still Exists

Using a digital antenna, U.S. viewers can watch select soccer matches for free on:

  • FOX

  • ABC

  • Univision / UniMás (Spanish-language)

Common OTA soccer events:

  • U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team matches

  • MLS Cup Final (select years)

  • Major international tournaments

FCC OTA guide: https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps

5. Match Schedules & Official Stream Tracking

Live Soccer TV

Website: https://www.livesoccertv.com

This site does not pirate content. Instead, it shows:

  • official broadcasters

  • free vs paid listings

  • platform availability by U.S. location

It is widely used by U.S. sports journalists and broadcasters.

6. YouTube: What Is Legal and What Is Not

Legal:

  • Official MLS channel highlights

  • FIFA uploads

  • Club and league recap videos

Illegal:

  • “Live full match” uploads without rights

  • Unofficial streams

Official MLS YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MLS

Why Illegal Soccer Streaming Is a Bad Idea in the U.S.

Illegal streaming sites:

• violate U.S. copyright law

• risk malware and phishing

• are frequently taken down mid-match

U.S. enforcement is stricter than in many regions, especially during MLS and international tournaments.

Conclusion

In 2026, watching soccer legally and affordably in the United States requires knowing where rights actually live. While there is no single platform offering every match for free, combining:

• MLS free windows on Apple TV

• FIFA+ international content

• OTA broadcasts

• Free ad-supported platforms

allows U.S. fans to follow soccer without cable and without legal risk.