MLS Continues Play During International Break Due to Unique Calendar

The Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to play its matches despite the current international break for national teams, a situation that affects prominent players like Lionel Messi and Israeli internationals. This continuation is due to the league's unique calendar, which runs from the beginning to the end of the calendar year, unlike most major European leagues that operate from fall to spring.

As a result, the September international window falls in the middle of the MLS season. Teams are required to play scheduled games even when key players are away on national team duty. This season, a significant number of MLS players have been called up, leading to teams competing without some of their top talent while the league standings battle continues unabated.

However, this scheduling anomaly is set to change. Starting in the summer of 2027, the MLS will transition to a new calendar, aligning its season with the spring and summer months, similar to most major global football leagues. The new season will commence in July 2027 and conclude in May 2028, with a winter break incorporated.

This shift aims to synchronize the MLS schedule with FIFA's international calendar, significantly reducing conflicts with national team call-ups. The league anticipates that future international windows will integrate more seamlessly into the season, eliminating the need for teams to play without their star players. A brief transitional "sprint season" will take place in early 2027 before the full adoption of the new structure in July 2027.