Major League Soccer is gearing up for the 2026 World Cup by making plans to take a break during the season to ensure complete rosters and proper competition. This decision was made to avoid incomplete lineups during the World Cup period, as the league recognizes the importance of having all players available for matches.
Brad Pursel, the senior vice president of MLS game schedule management, provided insight into the planning process for the upcoming seasons. He emphasized the need to take a break during the 2026 World Cup to accommodate the size and scope of the tournament. While the length of the break is still undetermined, the league is committed to making adjustments to ensure a smooth calendar navigation.
Pursel mentioned the ongoing dialogue with clubs about the challenges faced during FIFA windows and international competitions. The league is looking ahead to the years 2025, 2026, and 2027 to consider and implement schedule adjustments. This is aimed at minimizing player losses during conflicting competitions without disrupting the regular season.
League Schedule and Summer Break
The MLS regular season typically runs from late February to Decision Day in October, with playoffs continuing through November to the MLS Cup in early December. The league also observes a summer break to participate in the Leagues Cup, a joint competition with Liga MX. Despite the upcoming World Cup break, Pursel emphasized the importance of maintaining the Leagues Cup as a priority in 2026.
While the league plans to move forward with the Leagues Cup, adjustments may be necessary to accommodate the World Cup break. The officials are considering modifications to the tournament format to align with the revised calendar. Pursel acknowledged the excitement surrounding the Leagues Cup and expressed the league’s commitment to making necessary changes for a successful competition in 2026.
2024 Copa América Tournament
In the 2024 season, MLS did not pause for the Copa América tournament hosted by the United States. Despite honoring FIFA windows, the league continued with six matchdays during Copa América, leading to teams like Inter Miami CF competing without key international players. Pursel emphasized the importance of maintaining the necessary number of match dates while acknowledging the absence of top players during international tournaments.
Overall, Major League Soccer’s upcoming plans for the 2026 World Cup reflect a proactive approach to navigating the challenges of international competitions while ensuring the league’s continuity and competitiveness. The adjustments made for the upcoming seasons demonstrate the league’s commitment to strategic planning and flexibility in managing its schedule.
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