Major League Soccer (MLS) announced this Thursday the historic decision to align its calendar with FIFA's, which will take effect in the summer of 2027. This will be a transcendental and significant step to boost the league's growth in the present and future.

The transition will bring with it a new regular season format and The postseason combines elements of the global game with North American sporting traditions, and the League itself will review adjustments to the playoff format, seeking growth, but above all, an evaluation that will allow them to enhance the quality of the finals and the teams themselves. The change in format was approved this Thursday at the Major League Soccer owners' meeting held in Palm Beach, Florida, where it was ensured that the changes would not affect the structure and growth of the league in the face of all the problems generated by the different climates and time zones in the United States, especially the harsh winter. Regarding these changes, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said: "The calendar change is one of the most important decisions in our history." The new season structure: Thus, the new regular season starting in 2027-28 will begin in July 2027 and will end with the playoff stage at the end of May. 2028. An important point will be that MLS, like European leagues, will have a winter break from December to early February, during which a transitional tournament will be organized from February to May 2027, with a total of 14 matches across the regular season, postseason, and the MLS Cup.

In this way, the results themselves will determine the 2027 qualification for the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the Canadian Championship, the Leagues Cup, and the Concacaf Champions Cup, always seeking the sporting and economic benefit of the League itself.

The benefits of the new format

Looking back at the benefits of this change,This will optimize the global player transfer market, and above all, having a calendar aligned with FIFA will provide a greater window of opportunity for buying and selling players, as well as boosting signings,and allowing for the scheduling of FIFA dates and enhancing the League's competitiveness at other levels.

A decision under analysis for two years

The decision to standardize the calendar is not new or improvised, but rather dates back two years, when lobbying began in October 2023 with owners, team executives, players, and the League's Players Association. Fan opinion also played a significant role, with 92 percent approval, according to information provided by the League itself, which also analyzed extensive climate and time zone reports to reach its final decision.