MLS Teams Guide 2026
Your complete guide to Major League Soccer in 2026. All 30 teams, how the season and playoffs work, the biggest stars, and why MLS is growing faster than any league in North America.
What Is Major League Soccer?
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Founded in 1993 and beginning play in 1996, MLS has grown from 10 founding clubs to 30 active franchises in 2026, with multiple expansion teams in the pipeline for future seasons.
The league operates differently from European football in several fundamental ways. There are no promotions or relegations — all clubs hold permanent MLS franchises. The season runs spring to fall rather than fall to spring. A salary cap limits spending, though Designated Player slots allow clubs to recruit marquee international talent above the cap ceiling.
MLS has accelerated its global profile enormously since Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. International stars including Lorenzo Insigne, Xherdan Shaqiri, Riqui Puig, and Cucho Hernandez have also moved to MLS, and the league's TV ratings and attendance figures continue to climb. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, MLS stands to benefit from unprecedented global attention.
How the MLS Season Works
Regular Season (Feb-Oct)
Each of the 30 clubs plays 34 regular season games. The league is split into Eastern and Western Conferences, with clubs competing primarily within their conference but also against inter-conference opponents.
Audi MLS Cup Playoffs (Oct-Dec)
The top nine clubs from each conference advance to the playoffs. The competition uses a bracket format with single-leg matches in early rounds and two-legged ties as the competition progresses toward the final.
MLS Cup Final
The championship match between the Eastern and Western Conference winners. Held at the higher-seeded finalist's home stadium, the MLS Cup Final crowns the season champion.
Eastern Conference Clubs
MLS standingsWestern Conference Clubs
The Designated Player Rule
Introduced in 2007 after David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy, the Designated Player rule (nicknamed the "Beckham Rule") allows each MLS club to sign up to three players at salaries exceeding the league's salary cap. The club pays only a capped contribution against the salary cap, with ownership or investors covering the remainder.
This mechanism has been critical to MLS's growth. It allowed clubs to attract elite international talent that would otherwise be financially out of reach. Lionel Messi's signing with Inter Miami in 2023 is the most prominent example, but hundreds of Designated Player signings have brought world-class players to American cities across the country.
Each club may have up to three active Designated Players at any time. They can also loan a Designated Player slot to another club temporarily, creating complex roster management decisions during transfer windows.
MLS Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are in MLS in 2026?
MLS has 30 clubs competing in 2026, split between the Eastern Conference (15 clubs) and Western Conference (15 clubs). The league has expanded rapidly since its founding in 1996 and continues to add new franchises.
How does the MLS season work?
The MLS regular season runs from late February or early March through October. Each club plays 34 regular season games. The top nine teams from each conference advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs, culminating in the MLS Cup Final in November or December.
What is the MLS SuperDraft?
The MLS SuperDraft is an annual event where MLS clubs select eligible players from US colleges. It typically takes place in January. Unlike European football, MLS uses a draft system similar to other North American professional sports leagues.
What are Designated Players in MLS?
MLS allows each club to sign up to three Designated Players - also known as "Marquee Players" or colloquially the "Beckham Rule." These players can earn above the league's salary cap, with the club only counting a portion of the salary against the cap. This mechanism brought players like Lionel Messi, Riqui Puig, and other world-class talents to MLS.
How do MLS clubs qualify for CONCACAF Champions Cup?
Multiple MLS clubs qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup each season based on their regular season and playoff performance. The competition brings together the best clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
What time of year does MLS play?
MLS operates on a spring-to-fall schedule, unlike most European leagues. The regular season runs from late February/March through October, with the playoffs finishing in November. This schedule avoids winter weather and accommodates American football season scheduling.