The schedule for Austin FC's sixth season in Major League Soccer has been released, as the Verde & Black prepare for another campaign during a year in which the FIFA World Cup will also take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
It’s the final season of MLS’ current calendar structure, with the action set to kick off February 21 and conclude on November 7 (with a two-month break for the World Cup from May to July). Q2 Stadium, which currently owns the league's longest active sell-out streak of 88 MLS matches, will host 17 Austin FC home games. New in 2026, Apple TV subscribers can watch all 34 of Austin FC's MLS regular season games in English or Spanish at no additional cost.
While each match has the same three points on offer, here are five in particular to keep an eye on.
Austin FC vs. Minnesota United FC
- Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m CT
Just as it did to kick off the 2024 season, Austin will host Minnesota to begin 2026. The last meeting between the two teams was in the semifinals of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup and produced one of the more memorable results in Austin FC history. CJ Fodrey scored in the 120th minute to dramatically send ATXFC through to the final with a 2-1 victory. The Loons finished two spots above the Verde & Black in the Western Conference standings last season suggesting another close match is in store on opening night.
Inter Miami CF vs. Austin FC
- Saturday, April 4 at 6:30 p.m. CT
For the first time since Lionel Messi arrived in MLS, Austin FC will take on the Argentine superstar and Inter Miami. The Verde & Black got positive results in their prior two meetings against the South Florida side, a 5-1 home win in 2022 and a 1-1 away draw in 2023. April’s contest will be the first-ever match at the Miami Freedom Park as Inter Miami moves into its new stadium and competes there for the first time.
Austin FC vs. St. Louis City SC
- Sunday, May 3 at 6:00 p.m. CT
Apple TV’s Sunday Night Soccer returns to Q2 Stadium in 2026 when Austin hosts St. Louis in early May. The Verde & Black were a perfect 4-0-0 when playing in the league’s primetime slot in 2025, earning wins over San Diego FC, Sporting KC, Seattle Sounders FC, and LAFC. They’ll now look to stay perfect in primetime in 2026 after splitting the season series with St. Louis last year.
Austin FC vs. Philadelphia Union
- Saturday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. CT
Austin hosts the defending Supporters’ Shield winners in late August, marking the second time the Union will visit Q2 Stadium. The only previous match between Austin and Philadelphia ended in a 2-2 draw with Diego Rubio and Jon Gallagher on the scoresheet.
Austin FC vs. Nashville SC
- Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m. CT
Revenge is on the cards for the Verde & Black in this rematch of the 2025 U.S. Open Cup Final. In a match that is sure to have an extra edge to it, Austin will look to erase the bad memories of 2025’s narrow loss by picking up three points against its foes from Tennessee.
