League action resumes
Major League Soccer (MLS) is set to resume league play this week following a pause that lasted nearly two months. The return to action for Matchday 16 will feature several matches on Thursday and Friday nights, leading up to Sunday’s World Cup final.
The upcoming schedule includes a series of significant matchups across the league, highlighting rivalries and key teams as they aim for a strong second half of the season.
Key matchups and players to watch
One of the anticipated games is the Canadian Classique between CF Montréal and Toronto FC. Both teams are looking to make a strong statement as they work to improve their standing in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs picture.
Another notable fixture will see Chicago Fire FC host Vancouver Whitecaps FC. This match gained additional attention with the recent arrival of striker Robert Lewandowski to Chicago Fire FC.
The Cascadia Cup derby is also on the schedule, with Seattle Sounders FC facing the Portland Timbers. Seattle recently hosted several World Cup matches, keeping the city in the football spotlight.
In other action, St. Louis CITY SC will welcome Sporting Kansas City to Energizer Park for another rivalry game between these Midwest teams.
Nashville SC, currently leading the Supporters’ Shield race, will play Atlanta United. Nashville SC holds an MLS-best record of 10 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws, accumulating 33 points.
The El Tráfico derby between LA Galaxy and LAFC is also scheduled. This rivalry is known for its intensity, which is expected to be further amplified by the lingering World Cup atmosphere.
Several players are expected to be central figures as the league restarts. Miguel Almirón, an Atlanta United icon, is in his second period with the club. He previously helped Atlanta secure an MLS Cup in 2018 before moving to Newcastle United. Almirón represented Paraguay in this summer’s World Cup.
The Gabon international who contributed to LAFC‘s 2022 MLS Cup-Supporters’ Shield double and the 2024 US Open Cup title, has achieved the distinction of being the first player in MLS history to score 20-plus goals in three consecutive seasons.
Guilherme of Houston Dynamo FC is considered a frontrunner for the 2026 MLS Newcomer of the Year. The Brazilian winger previously won the 2025 Campeonato Paulista Golden Boot and has a career spanning nearly a decade in Brazil, with additional time in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
A French superstar is set to make his MLS debut with Orlando City following the World Cup pause.
Hall, one of the league’s youngest debutants, became the youngest player in MLS history to score five or more goals in his first six appearances of an MLS season and also became the youngest to record an MLS hat trick.
LAFC reportedly spent upwards of $26.5 million to acquire Son from Tottenham Hotspur in August 2025, making him the most expensive incoming transfer in MLS history. Son 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 and has been selected as an MLS All-Star.
Diego Luna, nicknamed Moon Man, is a young talent who was close to being part of Mauricio Pochettino’s World Cup squad. The Real Salt Lake star was named the 2024 MLS Young Player of the Year.
Lionel Messi, a two-time Landon Donovan MLS MVP, has achieved several league milestones since his arrival in summer 2023. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner led Inter Miami CF to the 2025 MLS Cup presented by Audi, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the Leagues Cup 2023 titles.
A German national team and Bayern Munich legend arrived in Vancouver last summer, contributing to the Whitecaps‘ first MLS Cup appearance.
Musa, a consistent goalscorer over the past three seasons, earned a spot on Croatia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup team. The 28-year-old scored against England in the Group Stage.
A USMNT striker is in his first season with Toronto FC after joining from 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 was previously Orlando City’s all-time leading scorer.
A 30-year-old German international was signed ahead of the 2026 MLS season from RB Leipzig.
Anticipation for the second half
The return of MLS action for Matchday 16 sets the stage for what is expected to be a competitive second half of the season. The league’s return comes before Sunday’s World Cup final.
The upcoming matches are anticipated to offer thrilling competition as teams vie for playoff positions and aim for strong performances following the league pause.
MLS returns to action with a series of matchups on Thursday and Friday.
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Source: mlssoccer.com
