The 2026 MLS season officially kicks off on February 21, launching a historic year for soccer across North America. This campaign features a packed 34-game schedule for all 30 clubs, culminating in the high-stakes Decision Day on November 7.
Following the regular season, the MLS Cup Playoffs will determine the champion in an uninterrupted postseason action this December. Also, the schedule includes a significant mid-season pause from May 25 to July 16 to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
To start the year with maximum energy, the opening weekend features 15 matches, headlined by a star-studded clash between LAFC and Inter Miami CF. Taking place at the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
You can watch Major League Soccer in Ireland via Apple TV+ or on free streaming services added in this blog. However, a VPN is essential for streaming on free sports sites in Ireland to ensure privacy.
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When & Where is the MLS 2026 Happening?
- Date: Feb 21 to Nov 7, 2026
- The World Cup Pause: May 25 to July 16, 2026.
- Location: Multiple venues across Vancouver, Toronto, and Montreal
- Platforms: Apple TV+
How to Watch Major League Soccer in IrelandÂ
Starting in 2026, the standalone MLS Season Pass has been discontinued and fully integrated into the standard Apple TV+Â subscription. This means that Irish viewers no longer need to pay for an additional add-on.
For a monthly fee of approximately €9.99, subscribers in Ireland can stream every game live without regional blackouts, alongside exclusive studio programming like MLS 360.
Here’s how you can watch Major League Soccer in Ireland on Apple TV+:
Step 1: Visit Apple TV+ and click on MLS
Step 2: Click on Accept Free Trial
Step 3: Enter the email to sign in
Step 4: Enter the verification code sent to your email
Step 5: Enter your credit card details
Step 6: Confirm the subscription
Step 7: Enjoy live streaming!
Free Way to Watch Major League Soccer (MLS) in IrelandÂ
You can stream MLS 2026 live for free by sideloading apps like RapidStreamz, SportzX, or RBTV33. These apps offer access to live sports channels.
Alternatively, you can also try free sports websites like viprow.nu/ OR vipleague.pm/ by entering their URLs directly in your browser to stream live games.
However, streams on these sites are sometimes unstable or offer unwanted ads. Therefore, it is essential to use a premium VPN to enjoy free streaming without any interruptions.
Here’s how you can watch Major League Soccer in Ireland:
Step 1: Download and install the Surfshark VPN App and connect to the French server.
Step 2: Download and install SportzX APK.
Step 3: Open the app and search for the Major League Soccer matches listed.
Step 4: Start streaming when it’s live.
Note: If the match doesn’t appear here, you can select TSN from the sports section, as it is an official broadcaster of MLS.
MLS Season 2026 Key Dates.Â
Here are the key dates for the MLS 2026 regular season. The postseason dates will be announced later.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Season Opener | February 21, 2026 |
| Miami Freedom Park Opening | April 4, 2026 (Inter Miami vs. Austin FC) |
| World Cup Break | May 25 – July 16, 2026 |
| MLS All-Star Game (Charlotte) | July 29, 2026 |
| Decision Day | November 7, 2026 |
| MLS Cup 2026 | December 2026 (TBA) |
MLS Schedule
Here is the Schedule of the upcoming matches of the MLS season 2026 in Irish timings:
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sat, 2 May | Toronto vs. San Jose | 18:00 |
| Sat, 2 May | Sporting KC vs. Seattle Sounders | 19:30 |
| Sat, 2 May | Real Salt Lake vs. Portland | 21:45 |
| Sun, 3 May | Inter Miami vs. Orlando City | 00:15 |
| Sun, 3 May | Atlanta United vs. Montréal | 00:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | NY Red Bulls vs. FC Dallas | 00:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | Columbus vs. Minnesota | 00:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | Philadelphia vs. Nashville | 00:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | New England vs. Charlotte | 00:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | Chicago vs. Cincinnati | 01:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | Houston Dynamo vs. Colorado | 01:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | San Diego FC vs. LAFC | 02:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver | 03:30 |
| Sun, 3 May | New York City vs. D.C. United | 20:00 |
| Sun, 3 May | Austin vs. St. Louis | 22:30 |
| Sat, 9 May | Toronto vs. Inter Miami | 18:00 |
| Sat, 9 May | Chicago vs. NY Red Bulls | 19:30 |
| Sat, 9 May | Montréal vs. Orlando City | 21:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | New England vs. Philadelphia | 00:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | Atlanta United vs. LA Galaxy | 00:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | Charlotte vs. Cincinnati | 00:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake | 01:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | Nashville vs. D.C. United | 02:00 |
| Sun, 10 May | Colorado vs. St. Louis | 02:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | Portland vs. Sporting KC | 03:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | Seattle Sounders vs. San Diego FC | 03:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | San Jose vs. Vancouver | 03:30 |
| Sun, 10 May | New York City vs. Columbus | 21:30 |
| Mon, 11 May | Minnesota vs. Austin | 00:00 |
| Mon, 11 May | LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo | 02:00 |
| Thu, 14 May | Charlotte vs. New York City | 00:00 |
| Thu, 14 May | Orlando City vs. Philadelphia | 00:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami | 00:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | Montréal vs. Portland | 00:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | NY Red Bulls vs. Columbus | 00:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | D.C. United vs. Chicago | 00:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | New England vs. Nashville | 00:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | FC Dallas vs. Vancouver | 01:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | Minnesota vs. Colorado | 01:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | St. Louis vs. LAFC | 01:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | Sporting KC vs. LA Galaxy | 01:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | Seattle Sounders vs. San Jose | 02:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | Real Salt Lake vs. Houston Dynamo | 02:30 |
| Thu, 14 May | San Diego FC vs. Austin | 02:30 |
| Sat, 16 May | Montréal vs. Chicago | 21:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | NY Red Bulls vs. New York City | 00:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Orlando City vs. Atlanta United | 00:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Charlotte vs. Toronto | 00:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | New England vs. Minnesota | 00:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | D.C. United vs. St. Louis | 00:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Philadelphia vs. Columbus | 00:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Austin vs. Sporting KC | 01:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver | 01:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Seattle Sounders vs. LA Galaxy | 02:00 |
| Sun, 17 May | Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado | 02:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | San Diego FC vs. Cincinnati | 02:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | San Jose vs. FC Dallas | 03:30 |
| Sun, 17 May | Inter Miami vs. Portland | 23:00 |
| Mon, 18 May | Nashville vs. LAFC | 01:00 |
| Sat, 23 May | St. Louis vs. Austin | 19:30 |
| Sat, 23 May | Minnesota vs. Real Salt Lake | 21:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | Cincinnati vs. Orlando City | 00:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | Charlotte vs. New England | 00:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | D.C. United vs. Montréal | 00:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | Chicago vs. Toronto | 01:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | Nashville vs. New York City | 01:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | Sporting KC vs. NY Red Bulls | 01:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | San Diego FC vs. Vancouver | 02:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | Colorado vs. FC Dallas | 02:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | Portland vs. San Jose | 02:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo | 03:30 |
| Sun, 24 May | Columbus vs. Atlanta United | 22:00 |
| Mon, 25 May | Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia | 00:15 |
| Mon, 25 May | LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders | 02:00 |
Inter Miami’s Strong 2026 Season
As the 2026 MLS season officially begins, Inter Miami CF enters the year as the definitive team to beat after beating Vancouver for the 2025 title.
With Lionel Messi returning for another legendary run and head coach Javier Mascherano implementing a more aggressive and tactical approach, Miami isn’t just defending a title. They are looking to cement a league dynasty.
The roster has seen a major transformation this winter to compensate for the retirements of legends Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The club successfully utilised the “Messi Effect” to sign 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair.
Luis Suárez has also been crucial, scoring five goals and providing nine assists. Sergio Busquets continues to dominate in midfield with his vast experience, while rising star Benjamin Cremaschi has been recognised as one of the league’s top-selling jerseys.
Other Sports Leagues to Watch in Ireland
If you’re a sports fan, here’s a list of top international sports leagues you can catch in Ireland.
- Watch UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 in Ireland
- Watch the Lions Tour in Ireland
- Watch the World Aquatics Championship in Ireland
- Watch the MLB All-Star in Ireland
- Watch AFL in Ireland
FAQs – Major League Soccer (MLS)
1. What new teams are coming to the MLS in 2026?
While San Diego FC was the major expansion story of 2025 (setting records for the best inaugural season by an expansion club), no new expansion teams are joining in 2026. The league remains at 30 clubs.
2. How long does MLS last?
The MLS season typically runs from late February or early March until November, followed by the playoffs, culminating in the MLS Cup in early December.
3. What are the rule changes for the MLS in 2025?
The 2026 season introduces the most flexible Roster Rules in league history to help clubs compete globally. Clubs can now choose between two different spending models (the “Designated Player” model or the “U22 Initiative” model) to customise how they build their squads.
4. How does the MLS league work?
MLS operates with a regular season, divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences, followed by playoffs where the top teams compete for the MLS Cup.
5. Will Messi play in the 2026 MLS season?
Yes. In late 2025, Lionel Messi signed a contract extension that keeps him with Inter Miami CF through the end of the 2028 season. He is currently the focal point of the league as he leads Miami into their new stadium and prepares to captain Argentina in the 2026 World Cup.
ConclusionÂ
The 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicks off on Feb 21, with the regular season running until November. During the summer, the season will pause for the 2026 FIFA World Cup before resuming in July.
You can watch Major League Soccer (MLS) in Ireland via Apple TV+, which offers MLS Season Pass, or on free streaming services.Â
However, you will need a VPN for a free method and for American streaming services in Ireland. We recommend Surfshark.
