FIFA’s international breaks are scattered throughout the football season in most top European leagues, pausing the campaign for two weeks at a time as players report for national team duty.
These breaks accommodate friendlies, Nations League matches, World Cup qualifiers, and continental tournament qualifiers such as the European Championships and the Africa Cup of Nations.
However, some leagues do not adhere to these international breaks and continue playing games despite most club football taking a temporary pause.
Major League Soccer (MLS) is one of those leagues that does not stop during these breaks. This decision has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
MLS Unique League Schedule
The primary reason why MLS does not observe international breaks is its scheduling structure. Unlike most European leagues, which operate from August to May, MLS runs from February to December.
This schedule is largely due to North America’s diverse climate, which affects the ability to play during the winter months.
A winter-based calendar would result in significant disruptions, particularly in cities with extreme winter conditions such as Chicago, Toronto, and Minnesota.
The summer schedule, though different from European leagues, aligns better with the climate and provides more optimal playing conditions.
Fixture Congestion
Beyond just the unique schedule, MLS teams also participate in multiple competitions throughout the year. Aside from the MLS regular season, North American teams compete in:
- U.S. Open Cup – A domestic knockout tournament
- Leagues Cup – A tournament featuring MLS and Liga MX teams
- Concacaf Champions Cup – A competition involving the best teams from North and Central America
These additional competitions add to an already congested fixture list. If MLS were to take breaks for FIFA international windows, it would result in further fixture congestion and limited flexibility in scheduling.
Business and Financial Considerations
MLS commissioner Don Garber has been vocal about why the league cannot afford to pause for international breaks. “We can’t afford it,” Garber explained.
“If we have to shut the league down and lose games, it impacts our players. It impacts our partners. It impacts our fans. It impacts everything that MLS has to deliver for all of our stakeholders.”
A pause in the season for international breaks would extend the length of the season, pushing it deeper into winter, which could negatively impact ticket sales, TV ratings, and the overall fan experience.
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Do MLS Players Still Go on International Duty?
Yes, despite the league continuing to play, MLS players are still called up by their respective national teams. However, this often creates a dilemma for clubs, as they must manage matches without key players who have left for international duty.
For example, in the March 2025 international break, over 80 MLS players received national team call-ups. Some teams were hit particularly hard:
- Atlanta United lost eight players, including Paraguay star Miguel Almirón.
- Philadelphia Union saw seven players depart for national duty.
- Several other teams had at least five players selected.
Impact on Clubs and Competition
With multiple players missing during international breaks, MLS teams often face an uneven playing field. Some clubs lose several key starters, while others remain relatively unaffected.
This can create a competitive imbalance, as teams missing key players may struggle to maintain form during these periods.
To mitigate this, MLS clubs build deeper rosters to compensate for potential absences.
Young players and fringe squad members often get opportunities during these windows, which can help with player development.
Potential Solutions and Future Considerations
Aligning with FIFA’s Calendar
One possible long-term solution would be for MLS to align its schedule more closely with FIFA’s international calendar.
However, this would require moving the season to a winter-based schedule, which presents significant challenges due to weather conditions and competition with other major North American sports leagues like the NFL and NBA.
Adjusting the Schedule
Another solution could be adjusting the MLS’ schedule to have fewer games during international breaks or spreading out fixtures to reduce the impact of missing players.
While this approach wouldn’t fully solve the issue, it could alleviate some concerns for clubs and players.
Expanding Roster Flexibility
MLS could also consider temporary roster adjustments that allow teams to call up additional players during international windows.
This would ensure clubs have enough depth to remain competitive even when losing key players.
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Recap
MLS’ decision to continue playing during international breaks is primarily driven by its unique schedule, fixture congestion, and business considerations.
While this creates challenges for teams and players, the league believes that stopping play would cause greater logistical and financial complications.
