How Does MLS Fantasy Scoring Work in 2026?
If you've searched for "MLS fantasy football" recently and found yourself looking at a discontinued website, you're not alone. The official MLSSoccer.com fantasy game was shut down, and MLS fantasy has migrated to two new platforms for 2026.
Here's everything you need to know about where to play MLS fantasy in 2026 and exactly how scoring works on each platform.
Use our MLS Fantasy Calculator to calculate player scores under either Kickbase or Sofascore rules.
The Old MLS Fantasy Game Is Gone
For years, the official MLS fantasy game lived at mlssoccer.com/fantasy. It was a free-to-play platform with standard soccer fantasy scoring — points for goals, assists, clean sheets, and yellow/red card deductions.
That game has been permanently discontinued. As of 2026, MLS does not operate its own official fantasy game. The league has shifted its digital fantasy presence to third-party platforms.
The Two New MLS Fantasy Platforms in 2026
1. Kickbase (Official Partner — iOS/Android)
Kickbase is the official MLS fantasy partner, available as a mobile app on iOS and Android. It operates as a manager game where you build a squad of MLS players within a budget and compete in leagues against other managers.
How Kickbase Scoring Works:
Kickbase uses a market value system alongside a points system. Player market values fluctuate based on form — strong performances push prices up, poor form drives them down. Your squad's total market value contributes to your standing in some league formats.
Kickbase Points (approximate standard settings):
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Playing 1–44 minutes | +1 |
| Playing 45+ minutes | +2 |
| Goal (GK/DEF) | +9 |
| Goal (MID) | +8 |
| Goal (FWD) | +7 |
| Assist | +5 |
| Clean sheet (GK) | +5 |
| Clean sheet (DEF) | +4 |
| Yellow card | -2 |
| Yellow-Red card | -4 |
| Red card | -6 |
| Penalty miss | -3 |
| Own goal | -3 |
| Match rating ≥ 8.0 | +3 bonus |
| Match rating ≥ 9.0 | +5 bonus |
The match rating bonus is Kickbase's defining feature — players who earn high Sofascore/Opta match ratings receive additional bonus points. This makes overall performance, not just goal contributions, a key factor.
Kickbase Key Features:
- Captain selection doubles points for the matchday
- Transfer market operates like a real transfer window — you can buy and sell players at their current market value
- Budget management is crucial — overspending on stars limits depth elsewhere
- Available as a paid app (subscription model for full features)
2. Sofascore (Free — Desktop & Mobile Web)
Sofascore is a free fantasy platform built into the Sofascore sports data app. It requires no subscription and is available on desktop at sofascore.com as well as the Sofascore mobile app.
How Sofascore MLS Fantasy Scoring Works:
Sofascore's fantasy uses their proprietary match rating system (the same ratings displayed on their stats pages) plus bonus points for attacking contributions.
Sofascore Points:
| Action | Points |
|---|---|
| Playing 1–59 minutes | +1 |
| Playing 60+ minutes | +2 |
| Goal scored | +6 |
| Assist | +4 |
| Clean sheet (GK) | +4 |
| Clean sheet (DEF) | +3 |
| Every 3 saves (GK) | +1 |
| Yellow card | -1 |
| Red card | -3 |
| Own goal | -2 |
| Sofascore rating ≥ 8.0 | +3 |
| Sofascore rating < 6.0 | -1 |
The Sofascore match rating is core to how the platform differentiates itself. A player who contributes defensively, wins duels, and makes key passes will earn a higher rating — and more fantasy points — than a player who simply happened to be on the pitch during a goal.
Sofascore Key Features:
- Completely free to play
- Automatic lineup integration with real match data
- Intuitive interface if you already use Sofascore for match stats
- Available internationally — no geo-restrictions
MLS 2026 Season Schedule
The 2026 MLS season runs from February 21 to November 7, 2026, with one major interruption:
World Cup break: May 25 – July 16, 2026
MLS pauses its full season during the FIFA World Cup. This is the longest break in MLS history given the extended 2026 tournament. Key implications for fantasy:
- No MLS matches for approximately 7 weeks
- Several MLS players will be away on international duty during this period
- The fantasy season effectively splits into two segments: pre-break (Feb–May) and post-break (Jul–Nov)
Plan your squad around the break. Players representing World Cup nations will be unavailable to MLS managers during the pause. Build squads with depth at positions where your premium picks will be absent.
Kickbase vs Sofascore: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Kickbase | Sofascore |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Paid (subscription) | Free |
| Platform | iOS/Android app | Web + mobile |
| Official MLS partner | Yes | No |
| Market value system | Yes | No |
| Captain feature | Yes | Some leagues |
| Match rating bonus | Yes | Yes |
| Availability | US + international | International |
Use Kickbase if you want the most immersive fantasy experience with a dynamic transfer market and you don't mind a subscription cost. It's the closest to a full FPL-style manager game for MLS.
Use Sofascore if you want a free, easy-to-use platform that integrates directly with the match stats you're already reading. No setup friction — if you have a Sofascore account, you're already halfway there.
Tips for MLS Fantasy 2026
Target players from top MLS teams in good form. LA Galaxy, Inter Miami, LAFC, and Atlanta United historically produce high-scoring fantasy players. Squad quality correlates strongly with fantasy returns.
Watch for the double gameweeks. MLS schedules occasionally produce weeks with two matches for some clubs. Double gameweek players are extremely valuable — two clean sheet chances for a defender, or two goal opportunities for a striker.
Plan for the World Cup break. If you're playing Kickbase, sell premium players before they depart for international duty — their market value may dip during the break. Repurchase after the World Cup when they return in form.
Captain the penalty taker. Set-piece and penalty takers accumulate assists and conversion points faster than most attackers. Find out who takes penalties and corners for the top teams early in the season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is MLSSoccer.com fantasy still available?
No — the official MLSSoccer.com fantasy game has been permanently discontinued. Kickbase and Sofascore are the current alternatives.
Is the Kickbase MLS game the official MLS fantasy?
Yes, Kickbase is the official MLS fantasy partner for 2026.
Can I play MLS fantasy for free?
Yes — Sofascore offers a free fantasy game that covers MLS matches.
Does the World Cup break affect MLS fantasy?
Yes. MLS pauses from May 25 to July 16 for the World Cup. Plan your squads around this gap.
How do I calculate Kickbase points for a player?
Use our MLS Fantasy Calculator — select Kickbase mode and enter the player's stats to get their point total instantly.