Major League Soccer has announced its plans to take a break during the 2026 season to align with the World Cup. This decision comes as a measure to avoid incomplete rosters affecting the competition. Senior Vice President Brad Pursel highlighted the importance of this break to ensure the smooth running of the league.
Pursel mentioned ongoing discussions with clubs about the challenges faced during FIFA windows and international competitions. The league is looking ahead to the upcoming seasons of 2025, 2026, and 2027 to make necessary adjustments to the schedules. It is crucial to avoid losing a significant number of players to conflicting tournaments.
The MLS regular season typically spans from late February to Decision Day in October, followed by playoffs leading up to the MLS Cup in early December. A summer break is allocated for the Leagues Cup, a joint competition with Liga MX across the United States. While Leagues Cup remains a priority for 2026, potential changes may be introduced to accommodate the packed calendar.
Despite honoring FIFA windows in the 2024 season, the league did not halt for the 2024 Copa América hosted by the United States. This decision resulted in MLS teams playing six matchdays during the tournament, leading to key international players being absent from some teams. Pursel emphasized the importance of maintaining the necessary match dates for the season.
Major League Soccer’s decision to take a break during the 2026 season for the World Cup demonstrates a commitment to ensuring a competitive and well-rounded league experience. Through ongoing discussions with clubs and strategic planning for future seasons, MLS aims to navigate the challenges posed by international competitions while maintaining the quality of the game. Adjustments to the calendar, such as accommodating Leagues Cup and honoring FIFA windows, will be crucial in balancing the demands of domestic and international competitions in the coming years.
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