Mauricio Pochettino has lauded MLS’s schedule shift to align with the global soccer calendar, saying it helps the league compete more effectively and boosts the national team.
MLS will switch to a fall-spring calendar in 2027, ending its spring-fall format, which didn’t align with FIFA dates, transfers, or global events.
The change is long overdue and has a transformative effect for Pochettino, who has coached in Europe and now leads the U.S. program.
“For sure this is a great step forward for MLS to be on par with the top leagues in the world,” Pochettino said.
“Having managed club teams and now the U.S. National Team, the ability to align with the international calendar will have a huge positive impact for the players, coaches, and clubs.”
Pochettino pointed out that the changes would make national team camps easier and resolve the ongoing issue between MLS matches and crucial FIFA dates, which have frequently limited domestic-based players or made clubs play without many players.
Pochettino noted that the realignment will streamline national team camps and reduce the long-standing conflict between MLS matches and key FIFA dates, which has often limited access to domestic-based players or forced clubs to compete without significant portions of their roster.
He highlighted that the benefits also impact the federation’s youth development plans. This also includes more than the senior national teams.
The calendar change should strengthen the link between domestic and international play for U.S. Soccer.