Power Rankings: Which MLS Giants Will Dominate the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup?
Nine MLS clubs will compete for the chance to make history in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, aiming to become only the fourth team from America's premier league to capture continental supremacy.
During the last two campaigns, MLS franchises have advanced far in the competition, yet none have secured the championship since Seattle Sounders triumphed in 2022. In the previous year, Vancouver Whitecaps fell 5–0 to Liga MX's Cruz Azul in the final, while Columbus Crew met a comparable destiny the season before, dropping 3–0 to Pachuca in the title game.
This year's tournament showcases 27 clubs, featuring eight from the United States, all representing MLS. The Whitecaps stand as the sole Canadian representative among the MLS group, though they're accompanied by Canadian Premier League teams Atlético Ottawa, Forge FC and Vancouver FC.
The opening round of the 2026 competition kicks off on Feb. 3. Both Inter Miami and Seattle receive first-round exemptions and will enter during the round of 16 as MLS Cup and Leagues Cup champions, respectively.
Here, Sports Illustrated evaluates the nine MLS organizations based on their likelihood to claim the trophy in May.
9. Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union demonstrated structure and excellence throughout the 2025 MLS regular campaign, capturing the Supporters' Shield, but began 2026 considerably weakened after parting ways with 10 players, including former MLS Defender of the Year candidates Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner, plus top scorer Tai Baribo.
Nurturing talent and selling them for profit represents the organization's approach, bringing previous success, but the Union might be entering a transitional period without those crucial contributors. While this impact will be more pronounced in league competition, it won't facilitate a Champions Cup campaign, particularly following their expected first-round victory over Defence Force FC of Trinidad and Tobago.
Beyond that stage, they would presumably encounter Club América before a potential showdown with Inter Miami. Best of luck.
8. San Diego FC
San Diego FC bring their unpredictability factor and enter their inaugural Champions Cup as a relative mystery for many opponents in their path. However, their tournament opening won't be straightforward, facing Pumas UNAM initially, followed by a probable encounter with Toluca in the round of 16.
Multiple uncertainties surround the team's 2026 standing, considering Hirving "Chucky" Lozano's departure and whether Danish star winger Anders Dreyer can maintain the performance that earned him the 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year award.
Beyond these two considerations, they'll also incorporate new attacking addition Lewis Morgan into their roster during the Champions Cup, hoping the Scottish player can enhance their scoring capabilities against top-tier opposition.
Manager Mikey Varas's team faces a difficult path, but if MLS clubs and analysts discovered anything in 2025, it's that San Diego FC shouldn't be overlooked.
7. Nashville SC
Nashville SC meets Atlético Ottawa in the tournament's initial round, with the first leg likely serving as the competitive introduction for marquee acquisition Cristian Espinoza, whom the club obtained through free agency following his impressive tenure with the San Jose Earthquakes.
With the new 30-year-old midfielder, manager B.J. Callaghan's squad will feel optimistic about their attack reaching new heights, given the 2025 achievements of Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, who totaled 40 goals during the regular season.
Their competition begins against the Canadian Premier League titleholders and will probably see them battle their most familiar opponent, Inter Miami in the second round. While their record against the Herons isn't exceptional, there won't be any intimidation factor, providing them with upset potential and the possibility of a deep tournament run.
6. Seattle Sounders
Seattle Sounders face a difficult Champions Cup journey, despite receiving a first-round exemption. Their quarterfinal encounter will probably pit them against rivals Vancouver, and they'll play their home fixture several hours away in Spokane, Washington, as Lumen Field undergoes World Cup 2026 preparations.
Should they advance past Vancouver, Tigres UANL or Cincinnati would await next, neither presenting an easy obstacle. Nevertheless, with Paul Arriola set to return and Jesús Ferreira expressing his World Cup aspirations openly, their enhanced presence might be sufficient to propel Obed Vargas, Paul Rothrock and Cristian Roldan to a surprising tournament performance.
5. LA Galaxy
Indeed, the LA Galaxy concluded second-to-last in the Western Conference during 2025. They'll be without star midfielder Riqui Puig for a consecutive season after experiencing a major setback and additional surgery in his ACL rehabilitation—but could they achieve a miraculous Concacaf Champions Cup campaign?
Under manager Greg Vanney in his first year of a new deal, the Galaxy will sidestep Liga MX and MLS opponents until at least the quarterfinals, facing Panama's Sporting San Miguelito in Round One, then Jamaica's Mount Pleasant in the round of 16, two highly winnable matchups to reach the quarterfinals.
Should they advance there, they'd meet one of Toluca, Pumas UNAM or San Diego FC, all extremely demanding opponents, but not impossible, especially considering the Galaxy's tournament soccer expertise; the club achieved third place in the 2025 Leagues Cup to earn Champions Cup qualification.
If Puig were available for this squad, they could be genuine contenders. Instead, they'll hope for improved performances from Marco Reus, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil, plus quick adjustment from their Puig replacement, João Klauss, recently acquired from St. Louis CITY SC.
4. FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati seek any silverware in 2026, after disappointing exits from the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs and 2025 Champions Cup. With a superstar midfielder like Evander and forward Kévin Denkey following a 16-goal inaugural MLS season, they could be positioned to make an impact in continental play.
Under manager Pat Noonan, Cincinnati will hope that Evander and Denkey can enhance their partnership throughout the preseason. The duo are exceptional attacking assets individually, but seldom created goals for each other in 2025, which, if resolved, makes them a revitalized, dynamic threat.
Cincinnati's Champions Cup journey begins relatively easily against Dominican Republic's O&M FC, before a probable encounter with Tigres in the second round. If they overcome Tigres, they'll possess tremendous confidence that they can claim the entire tournament.