After the myriad of alterations, postponements and cancellations that rocked the 2020 domestic calendar, we’re glad to see some normalcy return for both Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League in 2021 (although there’s little hope that stadiums will be at full capacity come April).
There’ll be no MLS is Back Tournament this year as the league plans for a full, 27-team regular season (welcome, Austin FC). The campaign’s opening day (April 3) is the latest start to the regular season since 2007, but they’re aiming for an MLS Cup final on Dec. 11. The 2020 edition, won by the Columbus Crew, was staged on Dec. 12.
We’ll also welcome back the All-Star Game, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup after canceling them in 2020.
Over in the NWSL, we’ll again be treated to a month-long Challenge Cup to open the campaign (beginning April 9). However, instead of playing all the matches in Utah as was the case last year, the games will be played in home markets.
A chance for TEN in-stadium playgrounds?
Will the glare return? ☀️, ️ pic.twitter.com/WrnJOyDdbr
— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) January 27, 2021
After that’s completed, a 24-game regular season will begin with six teams advancing to the playoffs.
The NWSL will not break for the 2021 Olympic Games. MLS clubs will also have to navigate the challenge of players getting called up for FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the Concacaf Nations League Finals, the Gold Cup, Copa América, the European Championship and the Olympic Games.
2021 MLS Season | Key Dates
Feb. 22: MLS Preseason training begins
April 3: MLS regular season begins
Late Aug.: MLS Rivalry Week
Late summer: MLS All-Star Game, Leagues Cup, Campeones Cup
Nov. 7: MLS Decision Day (regular season concludes)
Nov. 19: MLS Cup Playoffs begin
Dec. 11: 2021 MLS Cup
2021 NWSL Season | Key Dates
Feb. 1: NWSL players report to camp
April 9: NWSL Challenge Cup begins
May 15: NWSL regular season begins
Oct. 30: NWSL regular season concludes
Nov. 6: NWSL playoffs begin
Nov. 20: 2021 NWSL Championship
Dec. 16: Expansion Draft for Angel City FC and Sacramento
