Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC are scheduled to face each other in an MLS NEXT Pro regular-season match on July 12, 2026 [1].
This matchup is part of a broader effort by the league to expand its footprint and professionalize the second tier of U.S. soccer. The growth of the league provides more consistent playing opportunities for emerging talent and increases the regional reach of the sport.
The 2026 season represents a significant scaling of the competition. The league has expanded to include 30 clubs [2], a move that increases the overall volume of professional matches across the country. Under the current structure, each club is slated to play 28 games [2] during the regular season.
This expanded format results in a total of 420 matches for the 2026 season [2]. The schedule for this year began on Feb. 27, 2026 [2], marking the earliest start date for the league to date.
The July 12 game between Carolina Core FC and Chattanooga FC serves as a mid-season touchstone for both organizations. As the league continues to grow, these regular-season fixtures are critical for establishing standings and determining playoff eligibility in a more crowded field of competitors.
League officials have designed the 2026 calendar to maximize visibility and player development. By increasing the number of teams and total games, the league aims to create a more robust environment for professional growth, one that bridges the gap between youth academies and the top flight of the U.S. soccer pyramid.
“The league has expanded to include 30 clubs.”
The expansion of MLS NEXT Pro to 30 teams and a 420-game schedule indicates a strategic push to stabilize the second tier of the U.S. soccer ecosystem. By increasing the number of professional minutes available to players and expanding the geographic reach of the league, the organization is attempting to build a more sustainable pipeline of talent for Major League Soccer.
