MLS Transfer Window Undergoing Updates for 2026

On Thursday, Jan. 22, Major League Soccer announced that it would be elongating the 2026 MLS summer transfer window to better align with European leagues.

This year, the MLS summer transfer window will close on Sep. 2. This continues a pattern of MLS adapting to better integrate players transferring into the league from Europe, as last year's summer window closed on Aug. 21.

Not only that, but FIFA approved a provision to permit the league’s Canadian clubs (CF Montreal, Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps) to join the rest of the league's clubs in their registration periods. In previous seasons, Canadian MLS clubs had seen the summer transfer window close earlier than their American counterparts, a good measure to ensure fairness around the league.

Key dates that were also announced by MLS include the winter transfer window, which officially opens on Jan. 26 and will close on Mar. 26. The aforementioned summer window, will open on Jul. 12 and will close Sep. 2, aligning with the end of the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, all clubs will have to be salary-cap and roster compliant by Feb. 20 at 8pm EST, the day before the MLS season begins. The MLS roster freeze will go into effect on Oct. 9.