\n\tIf you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.<\/p>\n
\n\tWith the start of the 2026 MLS<\/a> season, soccer<\/a> icon Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF sit at the top of the leagues as last year\u2019s reigning champions. However, teams, like Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Seattle Sounders FC, Philadelphia Union, San Diego FC and others are looking to unseat the champs and stop the club from repeating in 2026.<\/p>\n \n\tTo kickoff the new season, Charlotte FC faces off against St. Louis CITY SC at Energizer Park in St. Louis, Missouri. The opening match takes place on Saturday, Feb. 21, with a start time of 2:30 p.m. ET\/11:30 a.m. PT. Check out a complete MLS 2026 season schedule here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tWant to watch MLS matches online? The best way for fans to tune into every match for the 2026 season (including Leagues Cup<\/a>, MLS All-Star Game<\/a>, MLS Cup Playoffs<\/a> and MLS Cup Final<\/a>) is with Apple TV<\/a>. Subscribers can enjoy all of the action on the pitch at no additional cost, just the price of the streaming service\u2019s subscription \u2014 no more MLS Season Pass needed<\/a> to watch matches.<\/p>\n \n\tTo watch for free, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial<\/a> to watch hit Apple TV<\/a> originals, including \u201cF1: The Movie<\/a>,\u201d \u201cPluribus,\u201d \u201cSeverance,\u201d \u201cFor All Mankind,\u201d \u201cTed Lasso,\u201d \u201cLong Way Home,\u201d \u201cKillers of the Flower Moon,\u201d \u201cYour Friends and Neighbors,\u201d \u201cMessi Meets America,\u201d \u201cThe Morning Show,\u201d \u201cPresumed Innocent,\u201d \u201cMasters of the Air\u201d and others. Afterwards, you can either cancel, or keep watching for $12.99\/month, or $99\/year<\/a>.<\/p>\n