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MLS sets a 14-game transition season for 2027

Major League Soccer has announced a shortened 2027 schedule as it changes to a summer-to-spring calendar. Each club will play 14 regular-season matches between February and May. Eight teams from each conference will then enter single-elimination playoffs, with the two conference champions meeting for MLS Cup over Memorial Day Weekend.

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Over the shoulder of a substitute at the touchline, players contest a ball on a sunlit pitch in a North American soccer stadium.

Fourteen matches bridge the calendar change

Major League Soccer, the football league for clubs in the United States and Canada, has released its shortened 2027 season schedule. Each team will have 14 regular-season games as the competition moves towards a summer-to-spring calendar. The transition competition runs from February through May, rather than following the league’s longer usual season.[1], [2]

The league’s plan gives every club one match against each of its 14 conference rivals, divided equally between seven home and seven away fixtures.[1]

Miami and Cincinnati open the competition

Inter Miami are scheduled to host Cincinnati at Nu Stadium on 19 February 2027. The opening weekend runs through 21 February. Toronto meet Montréal on 27 February, while Vancouver play Seattle on 20 March. The Los Angeles derby between LA Galaxy and LAFC is set for 10 April. Regular-season play ends on 8 May.[1]

Single-match playoffs decide the champions

The top eight clubs in each conference qualify for a knockout bracket. Single-match ties will decide the Eastern and Western champions, who then contest MLS Cup over Memorial Day Weekend in May. The league will announce the detailed playoff schedule later. The transition season will also determine places in the 2028 Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.[1]

References

  1. News sourceMajor League SoccerMLS announces schedule for 14-game transition season in 2027↩1↩2↩3↩4
  2. News sourceSportsnetToronto FC announces its 2027 MLS Sprint Season schedule↩