Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami heads into the new Major League Soccer campaign as the favorite for MLS Cup success in 2026, as 30 teams in the U.S. and Canada prepare for this weekend’s season kickoff.
Miami meets LAFC in big-name opener
Having lifted its first ever league title in 2025, beating Vancouver Whitecaps in December’s MLS Cup final, Miami begins its championship defense with a blockbuster matchup in California on Saturday night. The Herons visit Heung-min Son’s Los Angeles FC, a team chasing a second MLS title in franchise history.
Although there had been recent doubts about Messi’s availability for the “MLS Is Back” weekend - the World Cup winner has been troubled by a muscle injury - he handed Miami a major boost when he rejoined full training on Wednesday.
The favorites for MLS Cup glory
Miami (+450) and LAFC (+600) are the two frontrunners in the preseason MLS betting - just ahead of 2025 runner-up Vancouver, which commences its campaign with a home clash against Real Salt Lake.
This weekend’s slate of season openers also includes a Los Angeles matchup between the Galaxy - holder of an unmatched six MLS titles - and 2021 winner New York City.
Herrera back in Houston
Elsewhere, Houston is set to welcome back Héctor Herrera for his second MLS debut, having re-signed the Mexican last month - just over a year after he ended a three-season stint in Texas. The Dynamo host Chicago Fire on Saturday evening, at the same time as James Rodríguez’s Minnesota United is also in action in the Lone Star State, against Austin. However, it seems unlikely James will be fit to start for his new team, albeit a debut off the bench is possible.
Also on Saturday night, the San Jose Earthquakes welcome Kansas City to California, fresh from signing up Champions League-winner Timo Werner until 2028. Like James, however, Werner may have to wait for his first appearance: it appears that visa issues could hold up the German’s debut for the two-time MLS Cup winners.
Are there any new MLS teams in 2026?
No: For only the second time since 2016, MLS heads into the new season with no new expansion clubs. As in 2025, a 30-team field - 15 in the Western Conference, 15 in the Eastern Conference - will compete for the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
MLS matchday 1 - full schedule (all times ET):
Saturday, Feb. 21
Sunday, Feb. 22
How to watch MLS 2026 in the U.S.
Viewers in the United States - and in more than 100 countries worldwide - can watch every MLS game this season on the streaming platform Apple TV. That includes both the regular season and the MLS playoffs, which typically run from late October to early December. Apple TV will also be showing the MLS All-Star game, the Leagues Cup and the Campeones Cup.
A subscription to Apple TV costs $12.99 per month in the U.S., after a seven-day free trial.
Which “MLS Is Back” games are on Fox?
In the States, some MLS games will also air on Fox, Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes in 2026. The broadcaster says it has the rights to 34 regular-season games and will show “select” playoff ties, as well as the MLS Cup final.
As is listed above, the “MLS Is Back” weekend will see Fox broadcast Cincinnati vs Atlanta, with Seattle vs Colorado on Fox Sports 1 (both will be available in Spanish on Fox Deportes). You can stream Fox channels on the online platform fubo, which offers a free trial.
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