Major League Soccer (MLS) is gearing up for an exciting 2025 season as it celebrates its 30th anniversary. The league, which has grown exponentially since its inception, will introduce San Diego FC as its 30th team, marking a significant milestone in its history. The season is set to kick off on February 22, with a high-profile match featuring international superstar Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami facing off against New York City FC. This opening match not only highlights the growing anticipation surrounding the upcoming season but also sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling year of soccer.
In the 2025 season, each team is scheduled to play a total of 34 matches. Teams will engage in home-and-away formats against their conference rivals while also participating in six interconference encounters, allowing for a balanced and competitive schedule. Notably, the regular season will experience a pause from June 15 to June 24 to accommodate significant international tournaments, including the FIFA Club World Cup and the Concacaf Gold Cup. This year, Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders will represent MLS on the global stage, showcasing the league’s talent and competitiveness.
Moreover, this season marks a shift in the scheduling of the Leagues Cup. Unlike in previous years, where there was a hiatus from league play, the Leagues Cup will take place from July 29 to August 31, allowing for midweek matches that will keep fans engaged throughout the summer. The excitement will build as the MLS regular season approaches its conclusion on October 18, culminating in Decision Day, where playoff positions will be fiercely contested.
Several matches on the calendar stand out for their historical significance and fan engagement. A noteworthy highlight is set for April 6, where the San Jose Earthquakes will face D.C. United at PayPal Park, commemorating the inaugural match of the league that took place on the same date in 1996. Furthermore, the reigning champions, LA Galaxy, will clash with D.C. United on July 12, marking a rematch between the league’s first-ever finalists.
Interestingly, the match between Inter Miami and LA Galaxy on August 16 in South Florida promises to be a crowd-puller, pitting the current MLS Cup champions against the Supporters’ Shield winners. Additionally, MLS Rivalry Week will ignite passions across the league from May 10 to May 18, drawing fans into the excitement of regional rivalries, which are among the most exhilarating aspects of the sport.
As part of the 2025 festivities, Austin FC will proudly host the MLS All-Star Game on July 23 at Q2 Stadium. This event will not only showcase the league’s top talents but also exemplify the growth of soccer in the American landscape. As the season unfolds, fans and players alike will be eager to see how these matchups will shape the playoff picture and ultimately lead to the crowning of the next MLS champion.
The 2025 MLS season promises to be a thrilling journey filled with historic moments, rivalry matches, and an opportunity for fans to witness the incredible talent that the league continues to cultivate. With San Diego FC entering the mix, there’s no doubt that the excitement will resonate across the league.