League action resumes
Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to resume its season this week following a nearly two-month pause. Six matches are scheduled for Thursday and Friday nights, leading into Sunday’s World Cup final. These games are expected to set the stage for the second half of the season.
The return to play includes several high-profile matchups. Among them is the Canadian Classique, featuring CF Montréal against Toronto FC. Both teams are looking for a strong performance to improve their standing in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs picture.
Another significant match will see Chicago Fire FC host Vancouver Whitecaps FC. This game gained additional attention with the recent arrival of striker Robert Lewandowski.
Midwest rivals St. Louis CITY SC and Sporting Kansas City are also scheduled to face each other at Energizer Park. This rivalry match is anticipated to be a heated contest as both teams aim for a turnaround in the second half of the season following changes during the offseason.
The Cascadia Cup derby will feature Seattle Sounders FC against Portland Timbers. Seattle recently hosted six World Cup matches, keeping the city in the spotlight for this regional clash.
Nashville SC will look to continue their strong form, having led the Supporters’ Shield race with an MLS-best 33 points, holding a record of 10 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws.
The highly anticipated El Tráfico match between LA Galaxy and LAFC is also on the schedule. This rivalry is known for delivering intense soccer, and the lingering World Cup atmosphere is expected to add to the excitement.
Players to watch
As the league restarts, several notable players are expected to make an impact. Miguel Almirón, an icon for Atlanta United, is in his second stint with the club. He was part of Atlanta’s MLS Cup triumph in 2018 and represented Paraguay at this summer’s World Cup. He was also named the 2017 MLS Newcomer of the Year.
Guilherme, a Brazilian winger for Houston Dynamo FC, has made a strong start in his first season. He has produced 8g/5a in 14 matches. Guilherme previously won the 2025 Campeonato Paulista Golden Boot and has a career record of goals and assists in appearances over nearly a decade in Brazil, with additional experience in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Son, acquired by LAFC in August 2025, was reportedly signed for upwards of $26.5 million from Tottenham Hotspur, making him the most expensive incoming transfer in MLS history. He recorded goals and assists in his first appearances, along with goals and an assist in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. Son currently leads MLS with nine assists this season.
Richie Laryea, a two-time World Cup veteran with Canada, has been a consistent fullback for Toronto FC across two stints. He has recorded goals and assists in appearances across all competitions for TFC and has been selected as an MLS All-Star.
Diego Luna, nicknamed Moon Man, is a talent from Real Salt Lake. He was on the cusp of Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup squad. Luna has accumulated goals and assists in MLS regular-season appearances.
Lionel Messi, a two-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP, has recorded goals and assists in matches across all competitions. Since his arrival in the summer of 2023, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has broken multiple league milestones. He led Inter Miami CF to the 2025 MLS Cup presented by Audi, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and Leagues Cup 2023 titles.
A German national team and Bayern Munich legend arrived in Vancouver last summer, helping the Whitecaps reach their first MLS Cup appearance.
Musa, a player, earned a spot on Croatia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup team. He has been one of MLS’s most consistent goalscorers over the past three seasons, notching goals and assists this season.
A USMNT striker is in his first season with Toronto FC after arriving from EFL Championship side Norwich City.
After a year with Palmeiras in Brazil, Torres returned to MLS with Austin FC, who reportedly paid $9.5 million for the Uruguayan international winger. He previously played for Orlando City and is the club’s all-time leading scorer with goals and assists in matches.
A German international was signed ahead of the 2026 MLS season.
Upcoming matches
The league’s return features a series of matches that will unfold across Thursday and Friday, setting the stage for the remainder of the season before Sunday’s World Cup final.
The MLS season resumes with Matchday 16, featuring several thrilling matchups.
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Source: mlssoccer.com
