The Major League Soccer (MLS) has officially unveiled its schedule for the highly anticipated 2025 season. The campaign will commence on February 22, featuring a marquee matchup in which superstar Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will take on New York City FC. This season is particularly significant, as it marks the league’s 30th anniversary and the introduction of its 30th team, San Diego FC. San Diego’s inaugural match is set for February 23 against last year’s MLS Cup champions, the LA Galaxy, as they journey north along the California coast.
In the upcoming season, each team will play a total of 34 matches, with a neat system in place that allows clubs to compete against their conference rivals twice and face six teams from the opposite conference. The league is gearing up for a brief intermission from June 15 to June 24 during the International FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup events. Inter Miami and the Seattle Sounders will be proudly representing MLS on the global stage. Unlike previous seasons, this year’s Leagues Cup will not intersect with regular season games, taking place from July 29 to August 31 with midweek fixtures planned.
The culmination of the regular season, dubbed Decision Day, is set for October 18, after which the MLS Cup playoffs will commence with dates to be announced later. Throughout the season, several matches stand out for their historical and competitive significance. A notable April 6 clash between the San Jose Earthquakes and D.C. United at Paypal Park commemorates the original MLS match held on that same date in 1996. Another highlight is the rematch between LA Galaxy and D.C. United on July 12, highlighting the rivalry between the league’s first two Cup finalists.
As the season progresses, rivalries will take center stage, especially with Rivalry Week scheduled to kick off on May 14 and run until May 18. This period is expected to ignite passions and intensify competition as teams face their closest geographic rivals. Adding to the excitement, the 2025 MLS All-Star Game will be hosted at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, on July 23, providing fans with an incredible showcase of talent from around the league.
The 2025 MLS season promises to be an exciting chapter in the league’s history, filled with dramatic matchups, increased competition, and the celebration of three decades of professional soccer in the United States. As fans gear up for the action to unfold, the stage is set for unforgettable moments, historic rivalries, and the spectacle that only Major League Soccer can offer. The arrival of San Diego FC adds an extra layer of intrigue, making this season one that should not be missed.
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