Lionel Messi and Inter Miami begin the 2026 MLS season as defending MLS Cup champions, but the chasing pack is deeper and more talented than in any previous year of the league’s modern era.
With an expanded calendar and a controversial World Cup on home soil around the corner, plus big-name arrivals across both conferences, this has all the makings of a good one.
Miami finally converted their star power into silverware last year, winning their first MLS Cup after coming to life late in the regular season and steamrollering the playoffs. That kind of dominance doesn’t just shape narratives, it also shapes preseason pricing, with sportsbooks competing hard for MLS attention and leaning on sign-up incentives as part of the category.
One common label you’ll see in that mix is draftkings promo. Back on the pitch, with Argentina World Cup winner Rodrigo De Paul plus new DP striker Germán Berterame joining the squad, Miami looks as strong as ever, even with the loss of Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets via retirement.
The main unknown is how heavily they lean into the regular season. Messi’s age and the club’s desire to manage minutes could mean early rotation, especially around Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures. But if they peak again in autumn, no one will want to face off against them.
Who are the challengers? LAFC’s near-miss in 2025 only underlined how close they already are. Heung-Min Son now has a full MLS season under his belt, Denis Bouanga remains one of the league’s most devastating wide forwards, and the spine has been refreshed rather than rebuilt.
LAFC will be second favourites - the question is whether they can avoid the defensive lapses that cost them in big moments the last two years.
Behind LAFC, San Diego FC and Vancouver Whitecaps are next. San Diego were a
record-breaking expansion side in 2025, topping the conference with 63 points, but must now juggle Champions Cup travel and a tougher schedule. Vancouver, who many felt left silverware on the table last season, return with a strong core and are genuine contenders.
Seattle, LA Galaxy and Houston round out the list. The Sounders’ roster is thinner than their peak years, but still carries playoff know-how; the Galaxy have retooled around marquee attackers like Joao Klauss and Marco Reus, while Houston have undergone one of the league’s most aggressive rebuilds under Pat Onstad - one that was really needed.
If Miami wobble, the East has sides ready to pounce. The most obvious is Cincinnati, who fell a single point short of the Supporters’ Shield in 2025. Evander, who has been involved in an extraordinary 67 goals over the last two seasons, will once again be a key component.
Cincinnati’s big bet is that more attacking wing-backs and a healthy spine (Matt Miazga, Obinna Nwobodo, Roman Celentano) will tighten a defence that cost them in tight games against Miami. Philly Union are in a similar tier; continuity under Jim Curtin and a high tactical floor keep them permanently in the conversation. A slightly refreshed core and improved depth should help them avoid late-season fades that have plagued past campaigns.
Of the rest? NYCFC, Columbus Crew and Orlando City all have upsides but are definitely a rung below the front runners. The beauty of MLS Cup is, however, the variation in winners.
We've only had one repeat in the last decade (Seattle in 2016 and 2019). This season gives us more predictability to enjoy.
In a league built on parity and a one-off final, Finding a standout favourite is always hard. On paper, though, three clubs clearly sit above the rest: Miami, LAFC and Cincinnati.
Behind them, Vancouver, San Diego and Philadelphia form a second wave that’s good enough to win the Cup if the bracket and form align.
