LAFC and Vancouver Whitecaps Set to Battle Inter Miami for 2026 MLS Supremacy
Elite clubs, marquee acquisitions and 2026 FIFA World Cup excitement all create the setting for the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign, which begins this Saturday.
Just under three months have passed since Inter Miami captured the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy to secure MLS Cup triumph for the first time in franchise history. The festivities in south Florida had barely concluded before preparations commenced for 2026 as the Herons—alongside the league's 29 other franchises—embarked on a fresh start during the offseason, focusing their attention on championship glory.
The additional burden of competing across the United States and Canada during the same year these two nations, together with Mexico, will host this summer's World Cup creates the foundation for the most significant and competitive MLS campaign to date ... and that's without considering any additional marquee acquisitions that might enter the league following soccer's premier tournament.
These elevated expectations demonstrate how significantly the league has expanded over the past decade, consistently achieving new milestones that some analysts believed were unattainable for MLS. The 2026 campaign will be no different, particularly when all franchises are competing to claim the Herons' championship.
The Contenders for MLS Cup Victory
The Contenders for MLS Cup Victory
Is there any reason to doubt Inter Miami? Certainly, the Herons may have said goodbye to legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in December, but they retain Lionel Messi, whose mere presence is frequently sufficient to guide his squad to triumph through his exceptional left foot and elite playmaking abilities, even at 38 years of age.
However, unlike his initial period in pink, Messi now enjoys abundant talent around him, a dangerous combination of seasoned professionals, such as Rodrigo De Paul and new designated player signing Germán Berterame, plus promising young talents in Mateo Silvetti and Telasco Segovia. With the additional momentum from finally achieving the pinnacle last season, Inter Miami enters 2026 with a roster, self-assurance and attitude that few—if any—MLS teams can match, particularly in crucial moments.
The Concacaf Champions Cup and 2026 World Cup might divert the Herons from their league objectives, however, creating an opening for LAFC to pursue their title. The Black & Gold were just two penalty kicks away from meeting Inter Miami in last season's MLS Cup championship match, and Son Heung-min will be focused solely on redemption this campaign.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star also benefits from partnering with Denis Bouanga, who stayed in Los Angeles despite connections to Brazilian club Fluminense. These two athletes created MLS history last season when they collaborated to net 18 consecutive goals, and that occurred when they barely knew one another. Their partnership is certain to improve in 2026, making LAFC even more formidable.
Overlooking 2025 MLS Cup finalists Vancouver Whitecaps would be unwise. After all, they were absolutely commanding last season, finishing just three points shy of claiming the Supporters' Shield. The Canadian club also reached the MLS Cup final, Concacaf Champions Cup final and the Canadian Championship final.
They ultimately captured only the Canadian Championship, however, raising some doubts about the squad's capacity to cross the finish line against elite opposition, despite adding Thomas Müller. The Western Conference team also faces potential relocation in the coming period, an ongoing distraction that might affect performance if the Whitecaps again forfeit their home advantage during critical matches.
Three Athletes to Monitor in 2026
Three Athletes to Monitor in 2026
It's simple to highlight the major names dominating headlines throughout MLS. Naturally, Messi, Son and Müller are essential viewing every week, but there are additional stars positioned to command attention in 2026 that supporters shouldn't overlook.
Berterame is preparing for his inaugural MLS season following his high-profile move from Monterrey to Inter Miami. The 27-year-old dominated Liga MX during his tenure with Los Rayados, netting 68 goals across 153 matches. Now, the striker gets to feature alongside the consecutive MLS MVP, an opportunity that could elevate the designated player into Golden Boot contention.
James Rodríguez represents another fresh addition arriving in the United States for 2026. The former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star joined Minnesota United, becoming the franchise's inaugural marquee acquisition. Despite being 34 years old, the Colombian maestro excels at set pieces and can dissect any defense with a perfectly weighted pass. James likely won't find the net frequently, but he will undoubtedly create scoring opportunities.
Unlike these two new arrivals, Anders Dreyer understands precisely what success requires in MLS. During his first campaign, the Danish winger earned 2025 MLS All-Star recognition and claimed the 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year honor. His team-leading 19 goals and 19 assists propelled San Diego FC to the Western Conference top spot, and there's no reason he can't improve during his second season.
2026 World Cup Creates Special Atmosphere and Obstacles for MLS
2026 World Cup Creates Special Atmosphere and Obstacles for MLS
During the upcoming campaign, all 30 franchises must pause domestic competition for seven weeks, from May 25 through July 16, because of the 2026 World Cup. Three decades after MLS was established as part of the United States's proposal to host the 1994 World Cup, soccer's greatest tournament returns to American territory.
The intense anticipation building throughout the nation leading up to the competition will attract additional viewers to MLS, further enhancing the league after experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025. Indeed, those wanting to observe stars like Messi, Son, De Paul and various key U.S. men's national team members, including probable starters Matt Freese and Tim Ream, before this summer's World Cup must watch MLS.
However, taking such an extended mid-season hiatus for a demanding international competition presents difficulties that require careful management. Additionally, MLS clubs will anxiously hope none of their World Cup stars sustain injuries during the tournament—as Messi experienced at 2024 Copa América—sidelining them for the vital second portion of the season.
Furthermore, with league play resuming three days prior to the World Cup final, MLS teams will likely prefer all their stars return safely rather than force them to decide between an important club match and soccer's most significant game in four years.
Which Team Dominated the 2026 MLS Offseason?
Which Team Dominated the 2026 MLS Offseason?
Before franchises could begin contemplating MLS Cup success or World Cup challenges, they first needed to strengthen rosters capable of claiming silverware in 2026. With notable stars from around the world available, the league's elite clubs competed intensely to secure top talent.
Multiple eye-catching transfers captured attention in the months after the 2025 MLS Cup final, but none more than those completed by defending champions Inter Miami. Beyond Berterame's arrival in south Florida, the Herons also acquired 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, Dayne St. Clair.
The franchise brought in Brazilian defender Micael from Palmeiras as well, alongside Sergio Reguilón, Alba's successor on the left side. Additionally, Inter Miami fought off competing offers to secure versatile Tadeo Allende, who scored 24 goals last season, through June 2030.
The new additions combined with the established stars in Miami provide Javier Mascherano with a more complete squad, possessing the required depth to both protect their MLS Cup title and advance far in the Concacaf Champions Cup. The club's previous defensive and goalkeeping vulnerabilities should be resolved, making the Herons even more dangerous than during their championship campaign.