There's a rhythm to January in Major League Soccer that never quite gets the attention it deserves. While European leagues barrel toward their midseason fixtures and the NFL dominates American sports coverage, MLS clubs are quietly assembling their pieces for another year.
The 2026 season kicks off February 21. That leaves roughly six weeks for teams to sort out their preseason plans, integrate new signings, and build the fitness base that determines who's still standing come October. Most clubs have announced their schedules. A few patterns are emerging.
D.C. United released their preseason itinerary Thursday: training camp in Los Angeles from January 28 through February 2, followed by participation in the Coachella Valley Invitational through mid-February. They'll face Portland Timbers on February 7 and Minnesota United FC on February 11 before a closed-door friendly against St. Louis CITY SC wraps up their preparation.
The Black-and-Red open their regular season at home against Philadelphia Union on February 21 at Audi Field—then travel to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on March 7 for a marquee matchup against Inter Miami CF. That game, played away from their usual venue, reflects D.C. United's efforts to expand their regional footprint. With Miami's star-studded roster, it's expected to be among the highest-attended matches of 2026.
Austin FC, meanwhile, has taken a different approach to their preparations. They'll be at the Coachella Valley Invitational as well, facing St. Louis CITY SC on February 7, LA Galaxy on February 11, and Sporting Kansas City on February 14. Their home opener comes the same day as D.C.'s—February 21 against Minnesota United at Q2 Stadium.
Austin has sold out every single MLS home match in their five-year history. All 88 of them. That kind of sustained demand in a market that didn't have major professional sports until recently speaks to something genuine.
St. Louis CITY SC is splitting their preseason between Bradenton, Florida, and Palm Springs. They'll train at IMG Academy from January 19-28, play matches against the New York Red Bulls and Tampa Bay Rowdies while in Florida, then head west for the Coachella Valley event. It's a comprehensive schedule for a club entering only their fourth MLS season.
Columbus Crew, the reigning MLS Cup supporters' favorite, will travel to Palm Beach, Florida, for their preseason camp. They're scheduled to face Nashville SC, an unnamed opponent, Inter Miami CF, and Orlando City between January 23 and February 14. The Crew's challenge this year: proving last season wasn't a one-off.
The bigger picture
What stands out about 2026 isn't just the preseason logistics—it's the context. This is the final full season played under MLS's traditional spring-autumn format. The league plans to transition to a summer-spring calendar beginning with 2027-28, which means a shortened 14-match season in early 2027 as a bridge.
There's also the matter of the FIFA World Cup being hosted across North America this summer. MLS will take a six-week break from May 25 to July 16 to accommodate the tournament. When play resumes, the league plans to schedule marquee rivalry matches on July 16 and 17—riding the momentum of World Cup fever directly into club competition.
Charlotte will host the MLS All-Star Game at Bank of America Stadium on July 29. The Skills Challenge is set for July 28. Details on the opponent haven't been announced.
For now, though, clubs are focused on more immediate concerns. Fitness. Chemistry. Integrating new players. Austin signed midfielder Dani Pereira to an extension through 2028. D.C. United transferred midfielder Boris Enow to Israeli side Beitar Jerusalem. Columbus added goalkeeper Luke Pruter and midfielder Zach Zengue.
These transactions don't make headlines the way European deadline day drama does. But they're the building blocks of what comes next.
The season is six weeks away. Players report to camp this weekend. By February, we'll have a much clearer sense of who's ready to compete and who's still searching for answers.
That's the rhythm of January in MLS. It doesn't announce itself loudly, but it matters.