MLS opens a pivotal season with a Messi vs. Son opener and a World Cup break that could boost interest; star signings (Messi, Berterame, James Rodríguez) and a 2027 calendar shift make Miami and LAFC early favorites—punters may back Messi anytime-scorer and match-winner props, target over/under goal markets, and treat futures cautiously around World Cup absences.
MLS kicks off a consequential 31st season as World Cup looms
Major League Soccer begins its 31st campaign this weekend, launching what could be one of the most consequential two-year stretches in the league’s history. The season is bookended by a heavy focus on the 2026 World Cup and a planned calendar overhaul for 2027 that will shift MLS to a summer-to-spring schedule.
Seven-week World Cup break and the hunt for a “World Cup bump”
MLS will pause from May 25 to July 16 for the World Cup, a break expected to pause league momentum but potentially deliver a post-tournament “World Cup bump.” The league anticipates a record number of players participating in the tournament and hopes increased visibility across North America will drive fan engagement afterward.
Why the calendar change matters
The league will move to a new format in 2027, with regular-season play beginning in mid- to late July, the regular season concluding in April, and playoffs and the MLS Cup in May. The adjustment aligns MLS with the global transfer market, reduces conflicts with national team schedules, and is aimed at improving competitive positioning in player transfers. There will be an extended winter break with few December games, none in January, and a February restart.
Season opener: Messi vs. Son draws huge attention
The season’s marquee kickoff pits Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami against Son Heung-min’s LAFC at the Los Angeles Coliseum, expected to draw a crowd near 70,000. The high-profile matchup is an early measuring stick for both clubs and a headline event for broadcasters and bettors alike.
Inter Miami’s title defense: new faces and retained firepower
Inter Miami, fresh off an MLS Cup title, strengthened the squad around Messi and Luis Suárez. Major additions include Mexican international Germán Berterame—who has an excellent scoring record in Liga MX—and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. Rodrigo De Paul’s transfer was made permanent. Those moves aim to offset retirements and exits such as Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets and keep Miami among the league’s favorites.
Incoming names to watch
Beyond Berterame, MLS welcomed several notable signings this season:
- James Rodríguez joined Minnesota United on a short-term deal through June with a club option afterward, seeking minutes to bolster his World Cup chances with Colombia.
- Timo Werner moved to the San Jose Earthquakes from RB Leipzig. - Louis Munteanu arrived at D.C. United.
- Guilherme strengthened the Houston Dynamo attack after leaving Santos.
Coaching turnover reshapes several clubs
Nearly one-third of MLS teams have new head coaches this season. Michael Bradley takes charge of the New York Red Bulls, promising a demanding, development-focused environment. Tata Martino returns to Atlanta United, and other new hires include Henrik Rydström (Columbus Crew), Matt Wells (Colorado Rapids), Marc Dos Santos (LAFC), Cameron Knowles (Minnesota United), Marko Mitrović (New England Revolution), Raphaël Wicky (Sporting Kansas City), and Yoann Damet (St. Louis City).
Expect tactical shifts and early-season growing pains for teams with fresh leadership.
League-wide implications and what to watch
The combined impact of star arrivals, tactical resets, and the World Cup break creates an unpredictable landscape. Teams that manage player workload and national-team absences best should sustain form across the split seasons. Watch for how clubs rotate around the World Cup and which signings adapt quickest to MLS’s travel and tempo.
Betting angles and market impact
High-profile signings and the season opener set clear short-term markets: match-winner and anytime-scorer props favor stars like Messi and Son, while over/under goal markets may rise as teams integrate new attackers.
Futures should be approached cautiously given the World Cup pause and roster turnover—expect sharp movement in odds after the tournament based on player availability and form.
Can anyone stop Messi's Miami from going back-to-back?
The MLS season kicks off with LAFC and Miami playing at the Los Angeles Coliseum before an anticipated crowd of some 70,000 fans.
Apnews
