Neymar’s MLS Move: A New Chapter in American Soccer? 
Major League Soccer (MLS) will suspend all games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as confirmed by league commissioner Don Garber. This decision was announced during his annual state of the league address in Carson, California, just ahead of the MLS Cup final. The World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, is set to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across various cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Key Takeaways
- MLS will not play during the 2026 World Cup.
- The league will also take a partial break during the Club World Cup in 2025.
- The decision requires approval from the MLS board of governors.
- Potential changes to the league’s schedule are being considered.
Details of the Announcement
During the address, Garber emphasized that the league’s decision to pause operations during the World Cup is a significant move, reflecting the importance of the tournament. The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will feature 48 teams and be held in three countries simultaneously.
Garber also mentioned that two MLS teams, the Seattle Sounders and Inter Miami, are set to participate in the Club World Cup, which will take place in the U.S. from June 15 to July 13, 2025. The league plans to take a specific break during this tournament, although the exact details are still being finalized.
Historical Context
MLS has previously paused its season during World Cup events:
- 2010: Two-week pause during the group stage.
- 2014: Nine-day break.
- 2018: Nine-day break.
These pauses have allowed fans and players to focus on the global event, enhancing the visibility of soccer in the U.S. and aligning with international football schedules.
Future Considerations
Garber indicated that the league is contemplating a more extensive restructuring of its schedule to align with other major football leagues worldwide. Currently, MLS operates on a spring-to-fall calendar, which is unique compared to the fall-to-spring schedules of many European leagues.
He stated, "It’s complicated. We’re across three time zones, multiple weather factors, we’re traveling across a continent, and making those changes is something we’ve got to be very, very thoughtful about." This consideration reflects the league’s desire to enhance its competitiveness and visibility on the global stage.
Conclusion
The decision to pause MLS games during the 2026 World Cup marks a pivotal moment for the league, as it seeks to balance its operations with the excitement of one of the world’s largest sporting events. As the league continues to evolve, fans can expect further updates regarding potential schedule changes and the impact of these decisions on the future of soccer in North America.
