Major League Soccer Kicks Off 2026 Season with Game-Changing Streaming Changes

Millions of soccer fans worldwide are gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but until then, Major League Soccer is stepping up to keep American soccer enthusiasts thoroughly entertained. The 2026 MLS season officially launches on February 21, bringing significant changes to how fans can access and experience the beautiful game.

The Big Apple TV Revolution

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the sports streaming world, Apple TV has completely transformed its MLS offering. Gone are the days of needing a separate MLS Season Pass subscription—every single MLS match is now included with your standard Apple TV subscription at no additional cost. This game-changing decision means that for just $13 per month, subscribers can watch all 30 MLS clubs battle it out throughout the regular season.

The timing couldn’t be better, as this season features an unprecedented opening weekend where all 30 teams will take the field. Fans can catch global superstars like Lionel Messi leading Inter Miami, Son Heung-min showcasing his skills with LAFC, and Timo Werner making his mark with the San Jose Earthquakes.

A Historic Season with Future Changes

This 2026 season marks the final year of MLS’s traditional spring-to-autumn schedule. Starting with the 2027-2028 season, the league will align with European soccer calendars, running from summer through spring. This shift represents a major evolution for American soccer and will better position MLS teams for international competitions.

Walmart Saturday Showdown: The New Must-Watch Event

MLS is introducing an exciting new weekly feature called the Walmart Saturday Showdown. Each Saturday during the regular season, one match will be elevated with enhanced production value and special features. The inaugural Walmart Saturday Showdown kicks off on February 21 with the highly anticipated LAFC versus Inter Miami clash at 9:30 PM ET.

Seth Bacon, MLS’s executive vice president of media, revealed during a recent press demonstration what fans can expect: “We’ll have enhanced production across both Apple and MLS platforms. We’re going to lean into some of the testing we did last year with ‘Shot on iPhone.’ We’re going to have the ‘Shot on iPhone’ view at every single Walmart Saturday Showdown match. We’re going to capture the speed, we’re going to capture moments behind the scenes, we’re going to capture fan interactions.”

This innovative approach promises to deliver an immersive viewing experience that goes beyond traditional broadcast coverage, giving fans unprecedented access to the action both on and off the field.

Enhanced Viewing Options for Every Fan

Beyond the Walmart Saturday Showdown, MLS is expanding its coverage in several exciting ways. All matches will now feature bilingual sideline reporting in both Spanish and English, along with comprehensive on-site pre- and post-game coverage. This enhancement ensures that fans across the linguistic spectrum can fully engage with the matches.

EverPass Partnership: Soccer in Your Local Hangout

In a brilliant move to expand accessibility, MLS has partnered with EverPass Media to bring live games to local venues. Similar to how NFL Sunday Ticket operates, fans can now watch MLS matches at their favorite bars, restaurants, and hotels without any additional subscription fees—just the cost of food and drinks. This partnership transforms local establishments into community soccer hubs, perfect for gathering with fellow fans to watch the action unfold.

For those wondering where to catch the games locally, DirecTV offers a helpful tool to locate venues showing MLS matches in your area.

How to Watch: Multiple Options for Every Budget

Apple TV remains the primary destination for MLS content, with the $13 monthly subscription now including full access to all regular-season matches. However, fans have several bundling options to consider:

• Apple TV bundled with Peacock for $15 per month
• Comcast’s StreamSaver package at $18 per month, which includes Apple TV alongside other streaming services

While the vast majority of games will stream exclusively on Apple TV, a select few matches will also air on Fox or FS1, providing additional viewing options for fans who prefer traditional television.

The Season Schedule: What to Watch and When

The 2026 MLS regular season runs from February 21 through November 7, with a significant pause from May 25 to July 16 to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This scheduling ensures that MLS players can participate in the World Cup without conflicting with their league commitments.

Here’s a preview of opening weekend matches to mark on your calendar:

February 21 (Walmart Saturday Showdown highlighted)

• St. Louis City vs. Charlotte FC (2:30 PM ET)
• FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United (4:45 PM ET)
• DC United vs. Philadelphia Union (7:30 PM ET)
• Orlando City vs. Red Bull New York (7:30 PM ET)
• FC Dallas vs. Toronto FC (8:30 PM ET)
• LAFC vs. Inter Miami (9:30 PM ET) – Walmart Saturday Showdown
• San Diego FC vs. CF Montréal (10:30 PM ET)

February 22

• LA Galaxy vs. New York City (7:00 PM ET)
• Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids (9:15 PM ET)

February 28 (Walmart Saturday Showdown highlighted)

• Red Bull New York vs. New England Revolution (2:30 PM ET)
• Chicago Fire vs. CF Montréal (2:30 PM ET)
• Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC (7:30 PM ET) – Walmart Saturday Showdown

For the complete schedule and additional details, fans can visit the official MLS website.

The Future of American Soccer

This season represents a pivotal moment for Major League Soccer. The integration with Apple TV, the introduction of the Walmart Saturday Showdown, the EverPass venue partnership, and the upcoming calendar shift all signal MLS’s commitment to growing the sport in America. With global stars like Messi continuing to grace American pitches and emerging talents getting their chance to shine, the 2026 MLS season promises to be one of the most exciting yet.

Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or a casual viewer looking to catch some exciting matches, the 2026 MLS season offers unprecedented access and enhanced viewing experiences that make it easier than ever to follow America’s top soccer league.

Tags: #MLS2026 #AppleTV #SoccerStreaming #LionelMessi #LAFC #InterMiami #WalmartSaturdayShowdown #EverPass #SportsTech #StreamingRevolution #MajorLeagueSoccer #Football #SportsEntertainment

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