MLS Season Resumes Following World Cup Break
MLS Season Resumes Following World Cup Break
Updated at: July 16, 2026 at 02:45 AM
The 2026 Major League Soccer season has officially resumed following a seven-week hiatus for the FIFA World Cup.
As the tournament reaches its conclusion, MLS is seizing the momentum with a strategic campaign titled 'Thanks World, We’ll Take It From Here.'
This initiative aims to turn temporary World Cup viewers into lifelong MLS fans, notably through the 'First Match On Us' program, which offered complimentary tickets to newcomers.
On July 16, 2026, the league returned with a flourish, showcasing high-profile rivalry matches like the 'El Tráfico' derby and the Cascadia Cup.
A record 45 players, who competed on the global stage, have returned to their respective clubs, bringing world-class talent back to local pitches.
All matches are available globally via Apple TV without blackouts.
This season is also significant as the final year of the league's traditional spring–autumn format.
By capitalizing on this 'World Cup Bump,' the league is aggressively auditioning its product, aiming to cement its growth in popularity, commercial value, and viewership as it enters an exciting new chapter of professional soccer.
