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MLS Matchday 1 Preview: Schedule, Betting Guide, Top Matches To Watch

The 2026 MLS Season is here! Matchday 1 kicks off on Saturday. Before the action begins, here is the schedule for Matchday 1, the betting guide, and the top matches to keep an eye on.

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The 2026 MLS Season has arrived! 

A historic 2025 season flashed right before our eyes, and now it's time to see what 2026 has to offer. Can Inter Miami repeat as MLS Cup Champs? Will the Philadelphia Union remain contenders in the East after notable subtractions? Can the LA Galaxy find its way back into the playoffs?

So many new storylines enter this new season, and it's gearing up for an absolute must-watch. 

Every match is viewable on Apple TV. This year, you no longer need to pay for the separate MLS Season Pass subscription. All matches are included for free with an Apple TV+ subscription. 

This weekend's slate features  13 matches on Saturday and two on Sunday. Here we go! 

MLS Matchday 1 Schedule and Betting Guide:

*All bets courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook 

Saturday's Matches:

St. Louis City vs. Charlotte FC - 2:30 pm - Energizer Park
Odds:  St. Louis City (+110), Draw (+250), Charlotte FC (+220)

FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United - 4:45 pm - TQL Stadium 
Odds: FC Cincinnati (-130), Draw (+250), Away (+115)

D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union  - 7:30 pm - Audi Field
Odds: D.C. United (+220), Draw (+250), Philadelphia Union  (+115) 

Orlando City vs. New York Red Bulls - 7:30 pm - Inter&Co Stadium
Odds: Orlando City (-105), Draw (+250), New York Red Bulls (+280)

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Real Salt Lake - 7:30 pm - BC Place
Odds: Vancouver Whitecaps (-165), Draw (+310), Real Salt Lake (+380)

Austin FC vs. Minnesota United - 8:30 pm - Q2 Stadium
Odds: Austin FC (+135), Draw (+230), Minnesota United (+200)

FC Dallas vs. Toronto FC - 8:30 pm - Toyota Stadium
Odds: FC Dallas (+120), Draw (+240), Toronto FC (+210)

Houston Dynamo vs. Chicago Fire - 8:30 pm - Shell Energy Stadium
Odds: Houston Dynamo (+150), Draw (+240), Chicago Fire (+170)

Nashville SC vs. New England Revolution - 8:30 pm - GEODIS Park 
Odds: Nashville SC (-140), Draw (+290), Away (+320)

LAFC vs. Inter Miami - 9:30 pm - Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 
Odds: LAFC (+105), Draw (+270), Inter Miami (+230)

Portland Timbers vs. Columbus Crew - 10:30 pm - Providence Park
Odds: Portland Timbers (+190), Draw (+250), Away (+130)

San Diego FC vs. CF Montreal - 10:30 pm - Snapdragon Stadium
Odds: San Diego FC (-240), Draw (+360), CF Montreal (+550)

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City - 10:30 pm - PayPal Park
Odds: San Jose Earthquakes (-120), Draw (+290), Sporting Kansas City (+250)

Sunday's Matches: 

LA Galaxy vs. NYCFC - 7:00 pm - Dignity Health Sports Park
Odds: LA Galaxy (+150), Draw (+250), NYCFC (+165)

Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids - 9:15 pm - Lumen Field
Odds: Seattle Sounders (-240), Draw (+350), Colorado Rapids (+500) 

My Top Five Matches To Watch: 

D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union:
Tai Baribo makes his D.C. United will debut against his former club to open the season. Will he help D.C. United turn a corner this year, or will the Union spoil his debut?

Austin FC vs. Minnesota United:
James Rodríguez makes his MLS debut with Minnesota United.  His contract isn't long, but will his addition make Minnesota a legitimate threat in the West? 


Houston Dynamo vs. Chicago Fire:
The Chicago Fire could be a sneaky team in the East this year.  The Houston Dynamo are looking to turn things around after a disappointing 2025. Both clubs seem to be on polar opposite ends. 


LAFC vs. Inter Miami:
These two clubs are undoubtedly the two best entering 2026. This match has MLS Cup Final written all over it. Will it happen in the end?

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting Kansas City:
Timo Werner makes his MLS debut for the Quakes. San Jose just barely missed out on a playoff spot in 2025. Will the addition of Werner push them into the playoffs? 

MLS, Union, Philadelphia Union, Major League Soccer