MLS launches Walmart Saturday Showdown as weekly marquee Saturday game

MLS announced the launch of Walmart Saturday Showdown, a new weekly marquee matchup designed for the 2026 regular season, Goal reports. The initiative will debut on Opening Weekend with defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami CF facing LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

The league said the programme is a dedicated Saturday block that will spotlight one marquee MLS matchup each week to create a clear appointment for fans and enhance the at-home broadcast to reflect the in-stadium atmosphere. "As its core, Walmart Saturday Showdown is about access and community," said William White, Walmart’s Chief Marketing Officer. "Soccer fans don’t just watch matches, they build traditions that make soccer culture contagious, and we want to make it easier for more people to be a part of the fandom by making matchday consistent and shareable every Saturday," he added.

All league matches will continue to be available on Apple TV beginning in 2026, with the Saturday Showdown serving as the featured game within each Saturday slate. The first set of Saturday Showdown matchups to open the 2026 MLS season includes LAFC vs. Inter Miami CF – Feb. 21, 2026; Real Salt Lake vs. Seattle Sounders FC – Feb. 28, 2026; Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire FC – March 7, 2026; LA Galaxy vs. Sporting Kansas City – March 14, 2026; and Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire FC – March 21, 2026.