MLS Next Announces 2025/26 Event Schedule
The MLS NEXT 2025-26 season is poised to be a turning point in youth soccer across North America. With a record 273 clubs, 2,189 teams, and over 43,000 players, the league has grown into the premier platform for young talent. From its inception in 2020, MLS NEXT has focused on preparing the next generation of professionals. Now in its sixth season, it has expanded its structure, added new showcase events, and spotlighted future stars.
Across more than 28,000 matches throughout the entire season, players from the U.S. and Canada will have unprecedented opportunities to compete in front of scouts, coaches, and fans. And with five marquee national and international tournaments anchoring the season, 2025-26 promises to be the most competitive year yet.
Major MLS NEXT 2025-26 Events
MLS NEXT Fest 2025
Dates and Venues: December 4-15, 2025, in Mesa, Arizona (Arizona Athletic Grounds & Reach 11 Sports Complex).
Number of Teams and Scouts: Featuring more than 1,000 teams from 200+ clubs and 30,000 players in action across nearly 1,850 matches. Hundreds of scouts from professional clubs, college programs, and national teams will be in attendance.
Connection to Generation adidas Cup: MLS NEXT Fest also serves as a qualifier for the prestigious Generation adidas Cup, giving top teams the chance to test themselves against international competition.
Generation adidas Cup 2026
Tournament Prestige and Global Reach: Held March 27–April 4, 2026, at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, this is one of the most prestigious youth tournaments worldwide.
Inclusion of the Girls Division: Now in its second year, the Girls Division gives young women the chance to compete against international academies, further elevating the importance of the event.
International Clubs Competing: Last year’s tournament featured 18 international clubs from 14 countries — proof of MLS and U.S. Soccer’s growing global appeal.
MLS NEXT Flex 2026
Structure and Qualification Process: Taking place April 23–28, 2026, at the Toyota Soccer Complex in Frisco, Texas ,Flex splits teams into groups of four. Each group’s winner automatically qualifies for the MLS NEXT Cup.
Path to MLS NEXT Cup: Flex is critical for teams looking to secure their place in the Cup, especially if league play hasn’t gone their way.
MLS NEXT Cup 2026
Event Location and Schedule: The season-ending championship will be held May 23-31, 2026, at the Regional Athletics Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah, with finals at America First Field, home of Real Salt Lake.
Homegrown Division Structure: In U15 to U19 age groups, 32 teams qualify based on league performance, MLS NEXT Flex results, or professional pathway invitations.
Academy Division Pathway: In U13 and U14, teams compete in both Championship and Premier brackets. U15 to U19 Academy Division teams qualify through league play or Cup qualifiers.
MLS NEXT All-Star Game
Format of the All-Star Match: The East vs. West game will feature 44 of the best MLS NEXT players from the 2025-26 season.
Integration with MLS All-Star Week: Played in Charlotte, NC, during MLS All-Star Week, it offers young players a chance to be part of the full All-Star experience, including training, events, and exposure on a global stage.