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MLS February 2026 Preview: Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte & Orlando — Matchups, Tickets, and Players to Watch


MLS is back, and February 2026 kicks off with instant drama for the Southeast. MLS Is Back Weekend (Feb. 21–22) launches the league’s 31st season, and it opens with spotlight fixtures that include Charlotte at St. Louis, Miami at LAFC, plus Orlando hosting New York Red Bulls to start the year at home. [mlssoccer.com], [lineup2026.com]

What makes this opening weekend feel bigger than “just Week 1” is the context: the league has a defined set of season tentpoles (including a World Cup pause later), and February is the first chance to see which contenders look sharp out of the gate. It’s also a month where travel-heavy openers can test depth and chemistry before home crowds truly take over in March. [mlssoccer.com], [espn.com]

Below, you’ll find match previews, key players to watch, and ticket links (official team hubs + league ticket portal) so you can lock in plans now—whether you’re traveling to an away day or setting up your home opener countdown. [mlssoccer.com], [mlssoccer.com]

The February Spotlight Matches (Southeast Clubs)

1) Inter Miami CF at LAFC — Saturday, Feb. 21

Kickoff: 6:30 PM ET

Venue: Los Angeles Memorial ColiseumOne of the weekend’s headline events is LAFC vs. Inter Miami at the iconic LA Memorial Coliseum, a venue choice that immediately signals “big-stage energy.” MLS highlighted this as a marquee Saturday-night clash, and the match listing confirms the time and location. [mlssoccer.com], [lineup2026.com]

Players to Watch (Inter Miami):

Why it matters in February:Miami’s early road test comes before their historic stadium moment later in spring, when they open Miami Freedom Park. February results won’t define the season, but a strong performance at LAFC can set the tone for a campaign filled with expectations. [mlssoccer.com], [atlantasoccer.news]

Tickets (Official / Primary):

2) Atlanta United at FC Cincinnati — Saturday, Feb. 21

Kickoff: 1:45 PM ET

Venue: TQL StadiumAtlanta opens 2026 on the road in Cincinnati, and the official match listing shows it’s a nationally visible opener (Apple TV + FOX in the fixture page). The kickoff time is also reflected in the opening-week schedule listings. [lafc.com], [lineup2026.com]

Players to Watch (Atlanta United):Atlanta’s 2026 roster outlook points to a midfield loaded with creativity and match-winners. Names to keep on your radar:

Why it matters in February:Road openers can get chaotic—especially against strong home atmospheres—and this is exactly the kind of game where Atlanta’s ability to control tempo (and avoid early-season defensive lapses) will be tested immediately. If you’re looking for an opener with playoff-level intensity, this one fits. [lafc.com], [lineup2026.com]

Tickets (Official / Primary):

3) Charlotte FC at St. Louis CITY SC — Saturday, Feb. 21

Kickoff: listed as 2:30 PM ET on league opening weekend coverage (and widely carried on opening weekend slates)

Venue: Energizer ParkMLS spotlighted this one as the opening-weekend matinee: St. Louis hosting Charlotte. St. Louis also announced the match as their home opener and provided ticket on-sale details. [mlssoccer.com], [espn.com]

Players to Watch (Charlotte FC):Charlotte enters 2026 with returning star power and creativity in the final third:

  • Wilfried Zaha — Confirmed to return for 2026 after a performance-based option triggered. [bing.com], [bing.com]

  • Pep Biel — Also returning, with his purchase option picked up and permanent status confirmed. [bing.com], [bing.com]

  • Liel Abada — Listed in Charlotte’s 2026 squad and provides another pace-and-product profile. [bing.com], [bing.com]

Why it matters in February:Charlotte begins with two away matches before their March home opener, so February is about staying composed early and stacking points before the schedule turns home-heavy. If you’re a Charlotte fan, this opener is an early gauge of how quickly the attack clicks. [bing.com], [mlssoccer.com]

Tickets (Official / Primary):

4) Orlando City SC vs New York Red Bulls — Saturday, Feb. 21

Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET

Venue: Inter&Co StadiumOrlando is the Southeast club that opens at home in February, hosting the Red Bulls. Orlando’s official schedule announcement confirms this as their season kickoff and sets the time, and match listings reinforce the date/time. [bing.com], [bing.com]

Players to Watch (Orlando City):Orlando’s roster has a mix of proven MLS contributors and new pieces noted in club coverage and squad listings:

  • Martín Ojeda — Listed as a Designated Player in 2026 roster coverage and a key chance creator. [bing.com], [bing.com]

  • Eduard Atuesta — Midfield presence in Orlando’s 2026 squad. [bing.com], [bing.com]

  • Duncan McGuire — Striker option who will be central to Orlando’s early scoring output. [bing.com], [bing.com]

  • Maxime Crépeau — Highlighted in preseason coverage among new arrivals, and listed on the squad. [bing.com], [bing.com]

Why it matters in February:Home openers bring pressure and energy—especially in a stadium setting where fast starts matter. Orlando’s preseason notes underscored a “ready to push” mindset after roster turnover, making this opener a first look at how the new pieces settle in. [bing.com], [bing.com]

Tickets (Official / Primary):

How to Watch (and Why February Viewing Is Easier Than Ever)

MLS emphasized that all matches are available on Apple TV, with select games also on FOX networks, which makes opening weekend easy to follow even if you’re juggling multiple matches. Fixture pages also list broadcast details for specific games like Cincinnati–Atlanta. [mlssoccer.com], [lafc.com]

If you’re planning a watch party, February openers are perfect: condensed match windows, fresh storylines, and that “anything can happen” energy before the table takes shape. Bonus: it’s a great month to pick a secondary club to follow—because you’ll see identity and tactics clearly in the first two matchweeks. [mlssoccer.com], [lineup2026.com]

Quick February 21, 2026 Snapshot (Southeast Clubs)

 
 
 

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