Major League Soccer is gearing up for its most ambitious season yet — not just because of the 2026 FIFA World Cup coming to North America, but because Inter Miami CF is finally opening its long-awaited home: Miami Freedom Park. The league announced its full 2026 schedule on November 20, 2025, and the details are as dramatic as the season itself. The MLS regular season kicks off February 21, 2026, with Inter Miami facing Los Angeles FC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, while the rest of the league follows on February 22. But here’s the twist: after just over three months of play, the entire league will go dark — for seven weeks — to make room for the World Cup.
The World Cup Pause: A First for MLS
This isn’t just a scheduling tweak. It’s a strategic gamble. From June 25 to August 5, 2026, MLS will suspend play entirely. The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs June 11–July 19, and with 16 U.S. cities hosting matches — including Miami, Dallas, and New York — the league didn’t want to compete for attention, players, or stadium access. The break allows national team players like Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba to rest, recover, and rejoin their clubs without burnout. MLS resumes on July 16, three days before the World Cup final, a move that’s both bold and brilliant: fans already buzzing from the tournament will be hungry for soccer again.
Miami Freedom Park: The Crown Jewel
But the real headline? April 4, 2026. That’s when Inter Miami CF will play its first match at Miami Freedom Park, a $400 million, 25,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in the heart of Miami, adjacent to the airport. The opponent? Austin FC. The kickoff? 7:30 p.m. Eastern. Broadcast? Apple TV. This isn’t just a new venue — it’s the culmination of a seven-year battle. The City of Miami approved the project in 2018 after heated negotiations with ownership, which includes David Beckham, Marcelo Claure, Jorge Mas, and Masayoshi Son. For years, fans have watched Inter Miami play in Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium, a venue built for football, not soccer. Now, they’ll have a true home — complete with a public park, retail space, and transit access. It’s the kind of investment that doesn’t just change a team — it changes a city.
D.C. United’s Rivalry Gets a New Stage
For fans of D.C. United, the 2026 schedule is a love letter to history and rivalry. They open the season at home against the Philadelphia Union on February 21, but the real fireworks come on March 7. That’s when D.C. hosts Inter Miami at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore — yes, Baltimore. The club, struggling with attendance in Washington, D.C., has been leasing the NFL venue since 2021. The match against Inter Miami will be their biggest draw yet. The return leg on October 10 will be historic: the first-ever regular-season game at Miami Freedom Park. Expect a packed house, a deafening roar, and a new chapter in one of MLS’s most personal rivalries.
The Stadium Wave: 2026, 2027, 2028
This isn’t just about Miami. It’s part of a wave. Inter Miami CF is the first of three new MLS stadiums opening in consecutive years. Next up: New York City FC’s Etihad Park in 2027, a 25,000-seat jewel in Queens. Then, in 2028, Chicago Fire FC will move into a downtown stadium near the Loop, ending their long tenure at Soldier Field. These aren’t just buildings — they’re economic engines. Each is tied to mixed-use developments, transit upgrades, and local job creation. MLS is no longer just a league trying to grow. It’s becoming a force in urban renewal.
What Comes After November 7?
The regular season ends on November 7, 2026 — the latest finish in MLS history. The playoffs? Still TBD. But one thing’s clear: with the World Cup fresh in memory and new stadiums buzzing, attendance and TV numbers could shatter records. MLS saw 2.5 million fans in 2024. With the World Cup hype and these new venues, 3 million is within reach. And for the first time, the league isn’t just riding the wave — it’s building the tide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MLS taking a seven-week break for the World Cup?
MLS is pausing play from June 25 to August 5, 2026, to avoid competing with the 2026 FIFA World Cup for fans, media attention, and player availability. With 16 North American host cities and top global stars like Messi playing, the league wanted to let the tournament shine — then capitalize on the momentum when it returns in mid-July.
How does Miami Freedom Park differ from Inter Miami’s old stadium?
Inter Miami played home games at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, a 18,000-seat venue designed for American football. Miami Freedom Park is a soccer-specific stadium with 25,000 seats, better sightlines, and a downtown location near Miami International Airport. It’s also part of a $400 million mixed-use development, including retail, housing, and public space — making it a true urban destination, not just a sports venue.
Will the World Cup affect MLS player availability?
Yes. Players from World Cup nations — including Lionel Messi (Argentina), Jordi Alba (Spain), and others — will be absent from MLS rosters from late May through mid-July. MLS and FIFA coordinated to allow players to join national teams without club pressure. Teams with multiple World Cup participants may face roster challenges, but the league’s break gives them time to recover before the final stretch.
Why is D.C. United playing Inter Miami in Baltimore?
D.C. United has been playing home games at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore since 2021 due to low attendance and stadium issues in Washington, D.C. The Inter Miami match on March 7, 2026, is their biggest draw yet — and Baltimore’s larger capacity and proximity to the D.C. metro area make it a practical, high-revenue choice for this rivalry.
What’s next for MLS stadium development after 2026?
After Miami Freedom Park, New York City FC opens Etihad Park in 2027, followed by Chicago Fire FC’s downtown stadium in 2028. These aren’t isolated projects — each is tied to transit improvements, housing, and commercial development, signaling MLS’s shift from sports league to urban catalyst.
How many matches will each team play in 2026?
Each of the 30 MLS teams will play 34 regular-season matches: 17 home and 17 away. Teams play conference rivals twice (home and away) and face six teams from the opposite conference once. The schedule is designed to balance travel, rivalries, and TV windows — with the World Cup break ensuring players aren’t overworked.
