The MLS, or Major League Soccer, is highest level of professional football in North America, and was founded in 1993.
We take a look at everything you need to know about the MLS including the dates, teams, stadiums, records and more.
Dates
The MLS returns to action in 2026 on the weekend of 21st - 22nd February, with the regular season running until 7th November 2026.
- MLS is Back weekend: 21st - 22nd February
- FIFA World Cup pause: 25th May - 16th July
- MLS action returns: 16th - 17th July
- 2026 MLS All-Star Game: 29th July
- Decision Day (Final Regular Season Fixtures): 7th November
- MLS Play-Offs Begin: 18th November
Teams
The following 30 teams will compete in the 2026 MLS season:
- Atlanta United FC
- Austin FC
- Charlotte FC
- Chicago Fire FC
- FC Cincinnati
- Colorado Rapids
- Columbus Crew
- FC Dallas
- D.C. United
- Houston Dynamo FC
- LA Galaxy
- Los Angeles FC
- Minnesota United FC
- Inter Miami CF
- CF Montréal
- Nashville SC
- New England Revolution
- New York City FC
- New York Red Bulls
- Orlando City SC
- Philadelphia Union
- Portland Timbers
- Real Salt Lake
- San Diego FC
- San Jose Earthquakes
- Seattle Sounders FC
- Sporting Kansas City
- St. Louis City SC
- Toronto FC
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Stadiums
Team | Stadium |
|---|---|
Atlanta United FC | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
Austin FC | Q2 Stadium |
Charlotte FC | Bank of America Stadium |
Chicago Fire FC | Soldier Field |
FC Cincinnati | TQL Stadium |
Colorado Rapids | Dick's Sporting Goods Park |
Columbus Crew | Lower.com Field |
FC Dallas | Toyota Stadium |
D.C. United | Audi Field |
Houston Dynamo FC | Shell Energy Stadium |
LA Galaxy | Dignity Health Sports Park |
Los Angeles FC | BMO Stadium |
Minnesota United FC | Allianz Field |
Inter Miami CF | Chase Stadium |
CF Montréal | Saputo Stadium |
Nashville SC | Geodis Park |
New England Revolution | Gillette Stadium |
New York City FC | Yankee Stadium; Citi Field |
New York Red Bulls | Red Bull Arena |
Orlando City SC | Inter&Co Stadium |
Philadelphia Union | Subaru Park |
Portland Timbers | Providence Park |
Real Salt Lake | America First Field |
San Diego FC | Snapdragon Stadium |
San Jose Earthquakes | PayPal Park |
Seattle Sounders FC | Lumen Field |
Sporting Kansas City | Children's Mercy Park |
St. Louis City SC | CityPark |
Toronto FC | BMO Field |
Vancouver Whitecaps FC | BC Place |
Format
The league's 30 teams are divided into the Eastern and Western conferences, with each side playing 34 games in an unbalanced schedule.
The top seven teams in each conference automatically qualify for round one, while the eighth and ninth-placed teams in each conference contested a single wild-card match for the right to play the best-ranked team in their conference.
The team who finishes first in the overall MLS standings will be awarded the Supporters' Shield.
Discover more about the MLS Transfer Rules, including roster limit, discovery process and more
History
Preceded by the North American Soccer League (1968-1984), Major League Soccer was founded in 1993, with the first season taking place in 1996 with 10 teams.
Over the next 25 years, the league enjoyed steady expansion, which included the introduction of marquee players such as David Beckham and, more recently, Lionel Messi.
Up to 2024, 29 competed in MLS across two Conferences (Eastern and Western), until 2025 when the newest franchise, San Diego FC, brought the number up to 30.
Learn about the Previous Winners of the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield.
Records
- Most title wins: LA Galaxy - 6
- Biggest win: FC Dallas 1-8 LA Galaxy (1998)
- Highest attendance: 82,110 (LA Galaxy v LAFC - 2023)
- All-time top goalscorer: Chris Wondolowski (169)
- Transfer fee: LAFC, Son Heung-min - $26.5 million
