MLS 2026 Season Opening Weekend

The 2026 campaign of Major League Soccer begins on Saturday, February 21, launching a historic season that runs through November 7. All 30 clubs take the field across opening weekend in what MLS brands as “MLS Is Back.”

This year’s kickoff carries added weight. With a midseason pause scheduled for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, early points could prove more valuable than ever.

Below is a complete professional breakdown of the opening weekend: fixtures, broadcast info, top matches, betting outlook and sharp predictions.

MLS 2026 Opening Weekend - Key Fixtures (Feb 21–22)

Saturday, February 21

• St. Louis CITY SC vs. Charlotte FC

• FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United FC

• Columbus Crew vs. Portland Timbers

• LAFC vs. Inter Miami CF

• Multiple additional conference matchups across the league

Sunday, February 22

• LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC

• Seattle Sounders FC vs. Colorado Rapids

• Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Real Salt Lake

• Remaining clubs complete the 15-match slate

Fans can check the full, updated fixture list at:
https://www.mlssoccer.com/schedule

How to Watch MLS 2026 Opening Weekend

Primary Global Platform

MLS continues its global streaming partnership with Apple TV (MLS Season Pass).

All matches are available live and on-demand via:

• Apple TV app

• Smart TVs

• Mobile devices

• Web browser access

United States (Select Matches)

• FOX

• FS1

Canada

• TSN

• RDS

Kickoff times vary by market. Always verify match times via the official MLS schedule page.

Biggest Matches of Opening Weekend

LAFC vs. Inter Miami CF

This is the marquee fixture of MLS 2026 Opening Weekend.

LAFC host Inter Miami CF in a clash loaded with global stars and championship ambition.

Why It Matters

• Potential Supporters’ Shield contenders

• High attacking tempo matchup

• Early Western vs Eastern measuring stick

• National broadcast spotlight

Tactical Outlook

LAFC’s pace on the wings vs Miami’s ball-dominant midfield could define tempo. Expect a high shot volume game.

Prediction: 2–2 draw
Projected Odds Lean: Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC

LA Galaxy vs New York City FC

Coast-to-coast heavyweight branding. Both clubs aim to reassert themselves as contenders.

Key Factors

• Galaxy home-field advantage

• NYCFC’s defensive organization

• Early chemistry questions for both squads

Prediction: LA Galaxy 2–1
Betting Lean: Home Win

FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United FC

FC Cincinnati vs Atlanta United FC

Two Eastern Conference powers.

What to Watch

• Cincinnati’s structured build-up

• Atlanta’s transitional speed

• Set-piece impact

Prediction: Cincinnati 1–0
Betting Lean: Under 2.5 Goals

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Colorado Rapids

Seattle Sounders FC open at home against Colorado Rapids.

Seattle historically start strong at home.

Prediction: Seattle 2–0
Lean: Seattle ML

MLS 2026 Early Betting Outlook

Title Favorites (Preseason Consensus)

• Inter Miami CF

• LAFC

• Philadelphia Union

• Seattle Sounders FC

Dark Horse Contenders

• St. Louis CITY SC

• FC Cincinnati

• Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Sharp Betting Angles for Week 1

• Early-season matches trend slightly lower scoring

• Home teams historically win ~50–55% of MLS openers

• Fitness variance creates volatility in final 20 minutes

Key Storylines Entering MLS 2026

How clubs manage rotation ahead of the World Cup break

Western Conference depth vs Eastern attacking quality

Impact of designated player signings

Defensive cohesion early in the season

Opening weekend often reveals:

• Tactical identity

• Fitness levels

• New signings’ integration speed

Final Expert Forecast

Opening weekend will likely produce:

• At least two high-scoring draws

• One surprise away win

• Strong home dominance in Western Conference fixtures

The most balanced and competitive matchup appears to be LAFC vs Inter Miami, which could preview a future MLS Cup showdown.