Inter Miami is set to inaugurate its highly anticipated new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, on April 4, 2026, marking a significant milestone for both the club and Major League Soccer (MLS). This event is one of the key highlights of the 2026 MLS season, which officially kicks off on February 21 and runs through November 7. The upcoming season will be the final one played under the current February-to-November schedule before MLS transitions to a new summer-to-spring calendar starting with the 2027-28 campaign to better align with the global soccer calendar.
The 2026 season’s announcement on Thursday revealed several exciting developments, including the details surrounding Inter Miami’s stadium debut and the broader schedule. The new Miami Freedom Park, located near Miami International Airport, boasts a state-of-the-art 25,000-seat capacity and represents a major upgrade for Inter Miami. The team will open the season with five consecutive away matches, giving the club time to finalize preparations and complete construction on the stadium before welcoming fans for their home opener.
Inter Miami’s first home game at Miami Freedom Park is scheduled for April 4 against Austin FC, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. This match is eagerly awaited, especially as it will feature Lionel Messi, who recently committed to stay with the team through 2028 by signing a three-year contract extension. Messi’s continued presence ensures that the club’s star player will be part of their inaugural run at the new facility, fulfilling a long-held ambition for both the player and the team.
Miami Freedom Park’s opening also kicks off a wave of new stadium developments in MLS. It is the first of three new stadiums planned to open over three consecutive seasons. New York City FC is scheduled to debut Etihad Park in 2027, followed by a new downtown stadium for the Chicago Fire in 2028. These new venues are part of MLS’s broader strategy to improve infrastructure, enhance fan experience, and further embed soccer culture across the United States.
The 2026 MLS season is uniquely positioned as it will include a nearly two-month hiatus to accommodate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. MLS has scheduled no matches from May 25 to July 16 to allow players and fans to focus on the World Cup. Just before this break, on May 24, Fox will broadcast a double-header featuring Inter Miami against Philadelphia Union, followed by LAFC taking on Seattle Sounders FC, showcasing some of the league’s top talent.
The season will resume shortly before the World Cup concludes, with rivalry games slated for July 16 and 17. These matches will take place just before the World Cup’s third-place playoff on July 18 and the final on July 19, creating an intense period of soccer excitement for fans worldwide as MLS action overlaps with the tournament’s climax.
Broadcasting arrangements for the 2026 MLS season have been expanded and improved. All 510 regular-season matches will be available on Apple TV across more than 100 countries and regions. Notably, Apple TV will stream these games without any blackout restrictions and no additional subscription fees beyond the existing service, making it easier than ever for fans around the globe to follow the league. In the United States, some matches will also air on Fox networks, while in Canada, TSN and RDS will carry select games.
The season’s opening weekend on February 21 and 22 promises an exciting slate of matches. On February 21, St. Louis City SC will host Charlotte FC, followed by FC Cincinnati facing Atlanta United in a highly anticipated match featuring the return of coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino. That same evening, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami will kick off their campaign against LAFC at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue rich in sporting tradition.
On February 22, the schedule includes LA Galaxy hosting New York City FC in a Sunday Night Soccer broadcast on Apple TV, while the Seattle Sounders FC will take on the Colorado Rapids on FS1. These opening matches set the tone for what promises to be a competitive and entertaining season ahead.
Looking further ahead, the MLS All-Star Game will be held in Charlotte on July 29, the day after the MLS Skills Challenge. The league has yet to announce the All-Star opponent, but the event is expected to draw significant attention and showcase the league’s top stars in a celebratory atmosphere