The 2026 MLS season is almost here, and it’s shaping up to be another thrilling and unpredictable battle. Last season’s champions, Inter Miami, are back and poised to repeat as champions, but which teams are most likely to dethrone them?
MLS 2026 Season Preview
Philadelphia Union
Few rosters in the league saw as much turnover in the past 12 months as Philadelphia. Yet, the Union won an unlikely Supporters’ Shield in 2025 under head coach Bradley Carnell with 66 points. During the offseason, they went shopping in Scandinavia and Uruguay to replace a host of departing stars, including Tai Baribo, Jakob Glesnes, and Kai Wagner. Keep an eye out for Ezekiel Alladoh and Geiner Martínez, who will likely be the Union’s key difference makers.
FC Cincinnati
Led by MVP candidate Evander, Cincinnati will hope to regain control in MLS after missing the Supporters’ Shield by just one point last season. They play an explosive, dangerous style that ensures opponents never find comfort. Forward, Kévin Denkey will take some attention off Evander, allowing the pair to impose their will on opponents, but ultimately, they’ll need to strengthen their roots in defense if they want to usurp Messi and Inter Miami in 2026.
Nashville SC
After former San Jose star Cristian Espinoza unexpectedly became available this offseason, Nashville swooped and added another MVP-caliber forward to an already loaded offense. He’ll join Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge up top, instantly creating one of the most fearsome and dynamic attacks in MLS history. Head coach B.J. Callaghan has a dangerous team on his hands, but he’ll need to ensure his defense can prevent goals as well, especially after the departure of two-time MLS Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman.
LAFC
The perennial favorite in the Western Conference returns yet again with a star-studded lineup and a new face on the touchline. Marc Dos Santos will lead LAFC into 2026 after serving as an assistant under former head coach Steve Cherundolo. On the field, many of their stars have returned, including Hugo Lloris, Timothy Tillman, Denis Bouanga, and, of course, Son Heung-Min. They’re joined by former Nashville SC midfielder Jacob Shaffelburg, who will add another look to an already elite attack.
Vancouver Whitecaps
Last season’s MLS Cup Finalists are among the favorites to run the league in 2026. Led by former Bayern Munich star Thomas Müller, Vancouver has its sights firmly set on the trophy it came so close to realizing, and key to that quest will be the likes of Brian White, Emmanuel Sabbi, Sebastian Berhalter, Tristan Blackmon, and new signing Cheikh Sabaly. Danish head coach Jesper Sørensen made quick work during his first season in MLS and will look to build on that success during year two.
Seattle Sounders
Another evergreen silverware candidate, the Seattle Sounders are impossible to count out despite a host of high-profile departures. Experience is the name of the game for head coach Brian Schmetzer, with long-time forward Jordan Morris leading from the front, alongside Jesus Ferreira, Albert Rusnák, and Paul Rothrock. Defensively, Seattle is sound with midfielder Cristian Roldan protecting the backline of Nouhou Tolo, Jackson Ragen, Yeimar Gómez, and his brother Alex Roldán.
One of the hallmarks of MLS is unpredictability, and this year is no different. San Diego FC, Minnesota United, Austin FC, NYCFC, the Columbus Crew, the Chicago Fire, and so many other sides boast impressive rosters capable of upsetting the favorites on any given day.
Gear up for the season at your local Soccer Post and don’t miss the action on MLS opening weekend, headlined by a blockbuster clash between LAFC and Inter Miami on Saturday, February 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
