MLS 2026 kicks off this weekend with a new configuration on Apple TV

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MLS 2026 kicks off this weekend with a new configuration on Apple TV

Millions of football fans around the world are preparing to 2026 FIFA World Cup to start in June, but until then, Major League Soccer can entertain every American fan of the sport. Changes are coming to MLS, which will begin its regular season on February 21 with matches on Saturday and Sunday. You can watch every match on Apple TV (formerly Apple TV Plus) – without a separate paid MLS Season Pass subscription.

The $13-a-month streaming service now includes access to MLS at no extra cost, a welcome change in a new season that brings all 30 clubs onto the field on opening weekend. Apple TV subscribers can tune in from around the world to see Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, as well as LAFC’s Son Heung Min and new San Jose Earthquakes signing Timo Werner. This is also the last year the league will hold its games from spring to fall, as starting with its 2027-2028 season, MLS will move to a summer-spring schedule consistent with European leagues.

Sunday Night Soccer continues on Apple TV this season, but MLS is introducing something new: Walmart Saturday Showdown and an expansion with EverPass. Going forward, all MLS matches will give viewers the chance to see sideline reporting in Spanish and English, as well as on-site coverage before and after the match.

What is the MLS Walmart Saturday Showdown?

Saturday MLS programming will feature a series of matches throughout the day, but the relaunched Walmart Saturday Showdown will include additional features. One regular season game is highlighted each week in the Saturday lineup, starting with Saturday’s LAFC vs. Inter Miami match at 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT). You can watch highlights on Apple TV or check them out on Walmart and MLS social media.

During a press demonstration earlier this month, MLS and Apple shared what’s in store. “We will have improved production on both the Apple and MLS platforms,” said Seth Bacon, MLS executive vice president of media. “We’re going to build on some of the testing we did last year with ‘Shot on iPhone.’ We’ll have the “iPhone Shot” view at every game of the Walmart Saturday Showdown. We’re going to capture the speed, we’re going to capture the behind-the-scenes moments, we’re going to capture the fan interactions. »

Watch MLS and more at restaurants and bars via EverPass

Apple and MLS announced a partnership this season with EverPass Media, which distributes live sports programming to local venues such as bars, restaurants and hotels. Similar to the NFL Sunday Ticket, fans can watch MLS games at a local location without paying anything except a beer and a few snacks. Need help knowing where to go? Try this little DirecTV tool.

When and where to stream MLS 2026 matches

You will no longer need an MLS Season Pass, but you will need Apple TV to watch all regular season games. A subscription costs $13 per month, but the service can also be comes with Peacock for $15 per month or via Comcast’s $18 StreamSaver pack. Note that a small selection of games will also be broadcast on Fox or FS1 in addition to Apple TV.

The season begins February 21 and ends November 7, but MLS will take a break May 25 to July 16 to host the World Cup. You can find the full schedule on the MLS website, but here’s a quick preview of the upcoming games.

February 21

  • St. Louis City vs. Charlotte FC (2:30 p.m. ET)
  • FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United (4:45 p.m. ET)
  • DC United vs. Philadelphia Union (7:30 p.m. ET)
  • Orlando City vs. Red Bull New York (7:30 p.m. ET)
  • FC Dallas vs. Toronto FC (8:30 p.m. ET)
  • LAFC vs. Inter Miami (9:30 p.m. ET) Walmart Saturday Showdown
  • San Diego FC v. CF Montreal (10:30 p.m. ET)

February 22

  • LA Galaxy vs. New York (7 p.m. ET)
  • Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids (9:15 p.m. ET)

February 28

  • Red Bull New York vs. New England Revolution (2:30 p.m. ET)
  • Chicago Fire v. CF Montreal (2:30 p.m. ET)
  • Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC (7:30 p.m. ET) Walmart Saturday Showdown
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