MNUFC Academy, presented by Allina Health, announced today the schedules for the MLS NEXT 2026-27 season. The Loons’ youth teams begin regular-season action this weekend, starting with games on the road against St. Louis CITY SC on Saturday, Sept. 5. The slate of Home Opener matches sees Minnesota hosting Sockers FC Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 12 at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota.
All home MNUFC Academy games are open to the public and fans can come support the players at home matches throughout the regular season. Fans that wish to take professional-grade photography or capture video at home games are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the MNUFC Academy media policies HERE. All fans at matches are expected to abide by these policies.
Specific start times for the MNUFC Academy games will be posted on the club’s social media channels via @MNUFC\Academy (X, formerly Twitter) and mnufc\academy (Instagram) ahead of each week’s slate of games.
Each Academy team will play a slate of games comprised of both league play and MLS NEXT Flex competitions, which provide the squads paths to qualifying for larger, national tournaments throughout the season. These tournaments include MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, the Generation adidas Cup and the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs & Showcase.
Minnesota United Academy’s regular-season matches, seen listed below, consist of primarily regionally-based opponents across two playing periods: The first half of the campaign will run during the Autumn season from September through November of 2026. After a winter break, the 2026-27 season will continue its second half, running from February until May of 2027.
Key Matchups & Dates
Season Opener at St. Louis CITY SC | Sept. 5; St. Louis, Missouri
Home Opener vs. Sockers FC Chicago| Sept. 12, Blaine, Minnesota
MLS NEXT Fest | Dec. 2-13;Â Mesa, Arizona
Generation adidas Cup | March 25 – April 2, 2027; Bradenton, Florida
MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs & Showcase | June 5-13, 2027
Below are links to the MNUFC Academy 2026-27 schedules, subject to change throughout the season:
About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.
