NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
The 2026 Major League Soccer season kicks off on February 21, with all eyes on a league that’s never been more global. As the U.S., Canada, and Mexico gear up to host the FIFA World Cup this summer, MLS has a chance to ride the Cup wave. For new fans dipping their toes into American soccer, here are the basics: 30 teams split into Eastern (15) and Western (15) Conferences play 34 regular-season games each. Wins earn three points, draws one, and the top nine per conference advance to playoffs, culminating in MLS Cup. Veterans know the drill—parity reigns, with underdogs often crashing the party thanks to salary caps and Designated Players (DPs) who can earn big bucks outside the cap. This year, expect top performances from megastars prepping for the World Cup,roster rebuilds, and young guns ready to shine.
In the Eastern Conference, defending champions Inter Miami CF are the undisputed favorites after their 2025 MLS Cup win. Lionel Messi, the 38-year-old maestro, remains the league’s heartbeat, blending vision and goals like no other. But Miami got smarter this offseason, addressing defensive woes by snagging Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair from Minnesota United and center back Micael from Palmeiras. Up front, they’ve added Mexican striker Germán Berterame from Monterrey for a record $15 million, allowing Messi to roam as a No. 10 while Luis Suárez comes off the bench.
Under coach Javier Mascherano, who unlocked their attack by benching veterans last postseason, Miami could dominate if Messi stays fit amid World Cup duties. Challengers abound. FC Cincinnati, 2025 runners-up, boasts Brazilian playmaker Evander (15+ goals/assists expected) and U.S. center back Miles Robinson, pushing for a World Cup spot.
Nashville SC vaulted into contention with free-agent DP Cristian Espinoza, the league’s top crosser from San Jose, joining MVP contender Hany Mukhtar for a potent attack. Philadelphia Union relies on defensive steel and midfielder Dániel Gazdag, while Columbus Crew, despite losing coach Wilfried Nancy, features young stars like Taha Habroune (midfield dynamo) and Max Arfsten (wingback eyeing USMNT calls).
Bubble teams like Atlanta United (with Golden Boot hopeful Giorgos Giakoumakis) and Orlando City (Facundo Torres back from Palmeiras) add chaos. At the bottom, Toronto FC and CF Montréal fight to climb, with Toronto’s roster refresh under John Herdman offering hope.
Over in the Western Conference, LAFC are ready, led by the dynamic duo of South Korean icon Son Heung-Min and Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga. Son’s summer arrival sparked magic last year; now, with a full preseason and new DP midfielder Stephen Eustáquio from Porto, LAFC aims to dethrone Miami. Vancouver Whitecaps, transformed by Thomas Müller’s arrival, bring relentless pressing and set-piece wizardry from Sebastian Berhalter.
San Diego FC, in their second season, impress with young fullback Luca Bombino and a solid core. Real Salt Lake’s Zavier Gozo, a 19-year-old forward drawing European interest, could explode with 10+ goals alongside Diego Luna. Don’t overlook surprises like Austin FC, bolstered by Uruguayan winger Facundo Torres ($9.5M from Palmeiras), or Houston Dynamo, tipped as dark horses. San Jose Earthquakes splash with Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, adding speed to their rebuild. At the lower end, St. Louis CITY SC and Sporting Kansas City need defensive fixes after leaky 2025 campaigns.
Who to watch?
Messi for eternal magic, Son for flair and goals, and James Rodríguez (Minnesota United), the Copa América MVP seeking World Cup form with Colombia. Fresh faces include Romanian striker Louis Munteanu (D.C. United), Brazilian forward Tiago (Orlando City), and homegrown rookies like Oscar Avilez (D.C. United forward) and Ademar Chavez (Cincinnati midfielder).
Breakout candidates
Philadelphia’s Frankie Westfield (USMNT fullback prospect) and Colorado’s Ted Ku-DiPietro (midfielder). For USMNT fans, keep tabs on goalkeepers like Matt Freese (NYCFC) or Patrick Schulte (Columbus), vying for World Cup berths. Predictions? Miami repeats in the East, LAFC tops the West, but parity could see upsets—maybe Columbus misses playoffs or Austin surges. For newbies, dive into rivalries like Miami-Orlando or LA derbies; for vets, this pre-World Cup buzz elevates everything. MLS 2026 isn’t just soccer—it’s a global stage. Tune in on Apple TV and buckle up for drama.
