Inter Miami to face FC Cincinnati in 2027 MLS Spring Season opener
MLS has unveiled the format for the new 2027 Spring Season, with Inter Miami set to host FC Cincinnati on February 19.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Bryan Berlin
The 2027 MLS Spring Season is set to begin on the weekend of February 19, with Inter Miami opening the campaign against FC Cincinnati in South Florida. This new format marks a shift for the league, featuring a 14-match regular season schedule where each club faces its conference opponents once.
The opening week includes several marquee matchups, such as a meeting between Supporters' Shield winners Nashville SC and New York City FC, and a California derby between San Diego FC and LAFC. The regular season is scheduled to conclude on May 8 with Decision Day, highlighted by the Hudson River Derby between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls.
Following the regular season, the top eight teams from each conference will advance to a single-elimination postseason tournament. These playoffs will serve as the gateway to the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Leagues Cup, with the ultimate winners claiming the league championship title during Memorial Day weekend.
Before the league transitions to this new spring structure, all clubs are focused on finishing the ongoing 2026 campaign. Teams have two matches remaining before the 2026 MLS Playoffs commence this November.