MLS Officially Changes their Competition Calendar toward the International Calendar

The owners’ meeting voted for the change

New York, NY- On a late Thursday afternoon, at an owner’s meeting for Major League Soccer voted and accepted to change their competition calendar to the FIFA International Calendar, going from the summer into the spring for the 2027-28 season. This significant change will now help the league with business both on and off the pitch.

Making the change

This is a significant moment in the history of MLS. By making this change, they will no longer schedule games during the International Calendar, and they will no longer play in the summer during a World Cup, a Gold Cup, or any other Continental tournaments around the world to interfere with the fans of the game.

Better transfer windows

By aligning itself with other leagues around the world, MLS will now have a better way of buying or selling players across the world to improve its clubs before and during the season. To maximize their abilities when they go abroad or within the league. It will also enhance and disrupt so they can be more prepared before the season starts and begin cup competitions better.

No more interference during the playoffs

Every November, the playoffs are disrupted as MLS allows a break between rounds for the International Break. Making this move means that it will no longer happen. As the calendar will shift from mid-July through the end of May.

Calendar Setup

The current schedule setup will remain for the 2026 season. To make the crossover work, MLS will start a short 14-match sprint schedule from February through April, and then the playoffs in May for the beginning of 2027. Then, take a summer break to get ready for their new venture in the 2027-28 season. Points earned in the short season will go toward qualification for the CONCACAF Champions Cup and other Cup Competitions.

The new competition calendar

The new season will begin in mid- or the end of July, with the regular season ending in April. Then, in May, will be the playoffs, with no interference from the International Calendar. From mid-December to the beginning of February, there will be a winter break. For those in the cold-weather states in the Northern end of the country and Canada, there will be strategic scheduling as they will play road matches in the southern states.

Equal footing during the Champions Cup

With the number of clubs from MLS entering the CONCACAF Champions Cup, now they won’t be three to four games behind the clubs from Mexico’s Liga MX. They will restart their season at the same time that Liga MX will begin its Clausura season, which begins in February. A win-win for better competition within the confederation and within the league.

Other Cup Competitions

While CONCACAF doesn’t have to change its competition schedule, it might tweak it a bit. For US Soccer, they would have to readjust their schedule for the U.S. Open Cup, and the other leagues will have to readjust their calendars to match what MLS is doing for everyone to be on the same page. What will happen to Leagues Cup? We will have to wait and see when there will be news on it.

Personal thoughts

Maybe it’s taken this long to finally get this done, but it’s coming very soon. This is the turning point to officially say that MLS is on a trajectory for going 3.0 in their next level. Yet, more still needs to be done to maximize their true potential.

MLS News:

• CONCACAF Announces Draw and Setup of 2026 Champions Cup
• NYCFC’s Andrés Perea Undergoes Surgery for Leg Fracture, Out for Crucial Philadelphia Union Playoff Clash
• NYCFC Advances to Eastern Conference Semifinals After Round One Victory

For more MLS coverage, visit Bad Dawg Sports on social media and our website. Stay connected with comprehensive Pigeons coverage, breaking news, match analysis, and exclusive insider access. Subscribe to our content delivered straight to your inbox—just $12.50/year for a limited time!