Section 2: Equipment
The Ball
MLS matches use a FIFA Quality Programme approved match ball: spherical, 68–70 cm circumference, 410–450 g at the start of the match, and inflated to 0.6–1.1 atmospheres of pressure at sea level (IFAB Law 2). The league designates a single official match ball supplier each season; clubs must use the league-approved ball model in all regular-season and postseason competitions.
Ball Stands
The 2026 MLS Competition Guidelines specify 14 Ball Stands positioned around the field perimeter at each MLS venue. Ball stands are designed to support the IFAB-permitted faster ball-in-play protocol and are referenced in the league's published rationale as a mechanism to "increase effective match time and reduce match manipulation and gamesmanship."
Players' Equipment
- Jersey or shirt with sleeves; sleeveless undershirts must match the primary color of the jersey sleeve
- Shorts; compression undershorts must match the primary color of the shorts
- Socks; tape applied externally must match the color of the sock at the point of contact
- Shin guards covered entirely by the socks
- Footwear (cleats appropriate to the playing surface)
- The goalkeeper wears colors that distinguish them from outfield players, the opposing goalkeeper, and the match officials
- Permitted: religious head coverings, prescription eyewear approved as match-safe, soft headbands, soft sweatbands, and league-approved performance-tracking devices worn under the jersey
- Prohibited: jewelry of any kind (including taped-over items), hard casts not approved by medical, anything dangerous to the player or others (IFAB Law 4)
Goal Frames and Nets
Goals are 7.32 m wide by 2.44 m high (IFAB Law 1), painted white, securely anchored, and fitted with nets that do not interfere with the goalkeeper or with retrieved balls. All MLS venues use league-approved goal frames meeting FIFA Quality requirements.