Who’s going to win MLS in 2026? These are the favorites for the title

The Major League Soccer season kicks off this weekend with the traditional “MLS Is Back” opening slate, headlined by several marquee matchups. Chief among them is what many are already calling a potential MLS Cup preview: Los Angeles FC, now led by Heung-Min Son, facing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

As is the case every year, a new MLS campaign opens with a handful of clear title favorites - and both of these clubs sit firmly in that group. Miami enters the season aiming to retain the league title it won in 2025, while LAFC is out to deliver an early statement of intent against the reigning powerhouse from South Florida.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, with odds updated at the time of publication, Miami heads into the season as the frontrunner in the betting for December’s MLS Cup winner.

Miami opens the campaign with +450 moneyline odds, the shortest odds among all 30 clubs and the benchmark for the rest of the league. Right behind the Herons, LAFC stands as the second-strongest title candidate at +600, followed by the Vancouver Whitecaps at +900.

Favorites to win the 2026 MLS Cup:

• 1. Inter Miami: +450
• 2. Los Angeles FC: +600
• 3. Vancouver Whitecaps: +900
• 4. San Diego FC: +1200
• 5. Philadelphia Union: +1400
• 6. FC Cincinnati: +1400
• 7. LA Galaxy: +1800
• 8. Seattle Sounders: +2000
• 9. New York City FC: +2000
• 10. Columbus Crew: +2000

Related stories

Soccer

Infantino wears MAGA-style hat at Trump event

World Cup 2026

U.S. town threatens to cancel World Cup matches over funding

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.