Major League Soccer takes a key strategic step towards the 2026 season with the official launch of the MLS Saturday Showdown, a new weekly highlight showdown that aims to make Saturdays a fixture for soccer fans in the United States.
This new format establishes that every Saturday of the regular season will feature an all-star game, carefully selected to appeal to both traditional fans and new audiences. The initiative aims to do more than simply change the schedule: it seeks to create habits, community and a consistent experience for those who follow MLS from home. The concept behind the Saturday Showdown is based on the idea of accessibility and tradition. For many U.S. Hispanic fans, soccer is not just entertainment, but a central part of family and cultural life. Having a featured game every Saturday makes it easy to gather, share and maintain an ongoing connection to the league.
A centralized experience on Apple TV
Starting in 2026, all MLS games will continue to be available exclusively through Apple TV.
Maintaining the transmission model that the league has promoted in recent years.
Within that platform, the Saturday Showdown will function as the main match of each weekend, with a production designed to replicate the intensity and atmosphere of the stadium.
This is especially relevant for the U.S. Hispanic community, which consumes more and more sports via streaming and is looking for clear options, without confusion of schedules or channels.
Inter Miami and big clubs, protagonists
The 2026 MLS Saturday Showdown kickoff features high-profile matchups that combine strong markets, rivalries and historic league teams.
Among the first confirmed duels are:
LAFC vs. Inter Miami CF – February 21, 2026
Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC – February 28, 2026
Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire FC – March 7, 2026
LA Galaxy vs. Sporting Kansas City – March 14, 2026
Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire FC – March 21, 2026
Inter Miami’s presence in the inaugural match reinforces MLS’ intention to attract massive audiences from the start of the season.
While clubs with tradition and a solid fan base guarantee competitiveness and sporting relevance.
The initiative aims at more than just a simple change to the schedule
QuéOnnda.com
Why does this matter to the Hispanic fan?
For Latino audiences in the U.S., the MLS Saturday Showdown represents clarity, consistency and greater connection to the local league.
A single featured game each Saturday makes it easy to follow MLS without getting lost among multiple schedules.
And it consolidates soccer as part of the weekend, as is the case with other major sports leagues in the country.
With this move, MLS not only reorganizes its calendar: it redefines the way soccer is experienced on Saturdays in the United States.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
