Major League Soccer to overhaul its weekly schedule, roll out Walmart Saturday Showdownis a new initiative designed to create a consistent, must-see experience for fans across the United States and Canada.
The show will spotlight a highlight match every Saturday throughout the regular season, kicking off with the highly anticipated showdown between defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami and Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).
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The first game is scheduled for February 21, 2026 at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and will be broadcast live on Apple TV beginning at 9:30 pm ET.
The launch marks a major step forward in the league’s efforts to create a clear focus for supporters, ensuring top-level matches are easily accessible to watch every week.
As part of the league’s ongoing partnership with the tech giant, all MLS matches will be streamed exclusively on Apple TV from 2026, promising a broad and accessible lineup of programming.
Son Heung-min’s Los Angeles FC will take on Inter Miami in Saturday’s showdown at Walmart (AP)
The initial schedule is Walmart Saturday Showdown Already announced, promising an exciting start to the 2026 season:
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Los Angeles FC vs. Inter Miami – February 21, 2026 (9:30 PM ET, Apple TV)
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Real Salt Lake City vs. Seattle Sounders – February 28, 2026 (7:30 PM ET, Apple TV)
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Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire – March 7, 2026 (7:30 PM ET, Apple TV)
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LA Galaxy vs. Sporting Kansas City – March 14, 2026 (9:30 PM ET, Apple TV)
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Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire – March 21, 2026 (4:30 PM ET, Apple TV)
Walmart Chief Marketing Officer William White emphasized the core values of the program, saying, “At the heart of Walmart’s Saturday Showdown is access and community.
“Through Apple TV and MLS, we celebrate the sport’s momentum and connect fans to MLS’ most compelling matches.
“Fans don’t just watch games, they build the traditions that make football culture contagious and we hope to make it easier for more people to become fans by making matchdays consistent and shareable every Saturday.”
Viewers can look forward to enhanced production and broadcast experiences on Apple TV and MLS platforms designed to bring fans closer to the action on match day.
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One notable innovation is the iPhone Shot view, which offers dynamic angles and immersive views designed to capture the energy on the pitch and in the stands.
This feature is designed to provide a true window into the speed, skill, pressure and emotion of the game, helping viewers feel more connected while watching the action at home.
Plus, key match highlights captured from the game Walmart Saturday Showdown It will be distributed widely across MLS and Walmart social channels, ensuring the “can’t miss moment” quickly becomes a “must-share content” for football fans.
To commemorate the debut, MLS, Apple and Walmart will host an immersive fan experience in Los Angeles ahead of opening weekend on February 20.
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The event will include appearances from MLS legends, renowned hosts, interactive games with collectible prizes, and exclusive previews of what fans can expect Walmart Saturday Showdown All season long.
The event is designed to inspire and sustain fan enthusiasm as the first of many fan engagement events planned by MLS and Walmart throughout the season.
Walmart already involved ahead of 2026 sales season (Getty)
MLS Executive Vice President Camilo Durana stressed the importance of the new year for the sport.
Durana commented: “2026 is shaping up to be a historic year for Major League Soccer and our sport, and the launch of Walmart Saturday Showdown exemplifies how we continue to create new and exciting experiences for fans that they can plan to attend every Saturday.”
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“Major League Soccer has some of the most passionate fans and fierce rivalries in all of sports, and we are committed not only to elevating some of the most exciting storylines during game week, but also to inspiring a sense of community that will last throughout the 2026 season and beyond.”
this Walmart Saturday Showdown Marks the next chapter in a multi-year partnership between Walmart and MLS to deepen fan engagement and grow the sport’s following.
Walmart will feature prominently, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating the world’s game and connecting fans to the league’s most engaging competition.
