As Major League Soccer looks ahead to the 2026 season, plans are underway to accommodate the World Cup taking place that year. The league recognizes the importance of avoiding incomplete rosters during the duration of the competition and has decided to take a break to navigate the calendar effectively. Brad Pursel, the senior vice president of MLS game schedule management, emphasized the need for this pause to ensure the smooth running of the league during the World Cup.
Pursel highlighted the ongoing dialogue with clubs regarding the challenges faced during FIFA windows and other international competitions. The league is actively looking ahead to 2025, 2026, and 2027 to make necessary adjustments to the schedules. By doing so, they aim to minimize the loss of players to conflicting competitions and ensure the competitive integrity of MLS matches.
The regular MLS season typically runs from late February to Decision Day in October, with playoffs extending from November to the MLS Cup in early December. A summer break is taken to participate in the Leagues Cup, a joint competition with Liga MX held across the United States. While the Leagues Cup remains a priority for MLS in 2026, adjustments may be made to the tournament structure to accommodate the altered calendar due to the World Cup.
Despite typically honoring FIFA windows, MLS faced challenges during the 2024 Copa América tournament hosted by the United States. The league continued to play matches during the tournament, resulting in key international players missing games for their respective teams. Pursel acknowledged the importance of maintaining the required number of match dates for the season while also recognizing the impact of international competitions on team rosters.
**Conclusion:**
Major League Soccer is taking proactive steps to manage international competitions and ensure the smooth operation of the league in the coming years. By planning ahead for the 2026 World Cup and adjusting schedules to accommodate various tournaments, MLS aims to maintain its competitiveness while also allowing players to represent their countries on the global stage. The challenges posed by conflicting competitions require careful consideration and strategic planning, which the league is actively engaged in to address effectively. As the landscape of soccer continues to evolve, MLS remains committed to providing high-quality matches while navigating the complexities of international soccer calendars.
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