Who Will Claim the 2026 MLS Cup? Early Championship Contenders Revealed and Ranked
The 2025 MLS campaign concluded with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami claiming the Phillip F Anschutz Trophy as MLS Cup victors. However, once the celebration ended, attention immediately shifted to the 2026 season for every franchise.
With Messi contributing two assists, Miami triumphed over Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 to secure their inaugural championship, marking them as the ninth different club to capture MLS Cup over the past decade. In the upcoming season, which represents the final year of the summer-based calendar format, the remaining 29 teams will strive to prevent Miami from achieving back-to-back titles.
The 2026 preseason is scheduled to commence in January, with regular season action beginning when Miami travels to face Son Heung-min's LAFC at the LA Colosseum on February 21, building toward the MLS Cup finale in December.
Looking ahead one year, Sports Illustrated evaluates the top five franchises positioned to capture the 2026 championship.
5. Nashville SC
Nashville SC ranked among MLS's elite squads during the middle portion of the 2025 season, but their performance declined in the final stretch, resulting in a first-round elimination by eventual champions Inter Miami.
This marked their inaugural campaign under head coach B.J. Callaghan. During their strongest period, they displayed structured and offensive-minded football, driven by an emerging connection between 2022 MLS MVP Hany Mukhtar and English forward Sam Surridge. Mukhtar, competing in his fifth MLS campaign, recorded 16 goals and 12 assists, while Surridge netted 24 goals to claim second place in the MLS Golden Boot standings, trailing only Messi.
Their main challenge this season involved the absence of a secondary striker to partner with Surridge in attack, as Mukhtar functioned as an attacking midfielder. Should Nashville acquire this missing piece, they could maintain more reliable performance levels.
Additionally, they will enjoy increased salary cap space following the departure of captain and designated player center-back Walker Zimmerman, welcoming Maxwell Woledzi from Norwegian first-division club Fredrikstad FK as his successor.
The foundation for MLS Cup contention exists, and they captured the U.S. Open Cup for their maiden trophy, but achieving consistency remains essential.
4. Seattle Sounders FC
The Seattle Sounders represent MLS's most consistent championship contender, with their legacy and clutch performances forming their organizational identity. In 2025, they were eliminated via penalty shootout against a defensively-structured Minnesota United, following their impressive 2025 Leagues Cup victory.
Under head coach Brian Schmetzer's guidance, the majority of their core roster should return, and they anticipate further development from striker Osaze De Rosario and 20-year-old Obed Vargas, who has earned recognition within Mexico's national team program.
Seattle's primary concern involves two players whose contracts have expired. Veteran goalkeeper Stefan Frei battled injuries throughout 2025, but at 39 years old remained the spiritual leader of the club's tradition, while academy product Paul Rothrock emerged as a fan favorite with four goals and seven assists and will attract interest during the offseason.
They'll begin the season without designated player midfielder Pedro de la Vega, but their ability to peak at crucial moments remains intact.