With the 2026 MLS season beginning on Saturday, we have taken an in-depth look at the campaign ahead and picked out some betting picks to keep an eye on across the year.
All 30 teams will be in action this weekend, starting with the clash between St. Louis City SC and Charlotte FC and rounding off with Sunday's meeting between Seattle Sounders and Colorado Rapids.
Inter Miami are the defending champions after overcoming Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the MLS Cup final and Lionel Messi and co are the +440 favorites to become the first back-to-back winners since LA Galaxy in 2012.
2026 MLS Season betting picks and predictions
Vancouver Whitecaps to win the MLS Cup (+900)
Vancouver fell at the last hurdle in pursuit of MLS Cup glory last season, going down to Inter Miami, but the Whitecaps look capable of going one better in 2026.
Head coach Jesper Sorensen has managed to keep the majority of his squad from last year while also adding to his ranks, having brought in wingers Bruno Caicedo and Cheikh Sabaly to bolster their attacking options.
Another notable forward at the club is former Bayern Munich ace Thomas Muller, who only arrived from the Bundesliga giants in August last year but still managed eight goals and three assists from 12 MLS appearances.
Vancouver boasted the best defense in the Western Conference last year, conceding just 38 times, with Eastern Conference champions Philadelphia Union the only team to allow in less goals (35).
American midfielder Sebastian Berhalter provided plenty of creativity in the 2025 campaign, registering a club-high 12 assists, and he will be hoping to play another key part for his side.
Overall, Vancouver look to have a well-balanced squad with good strength in depth and they can lift the MLS Cup for the first time.
Thomas Muller - Top Goalscorer (+4000)
If Vancouver are to get all the way this season, then ex-Germany international Muller will likely have a big part to say and he has already shown what he is capable of.
Arriving in August last year, the 36-year-old bagged eight goals in 12 MLS outings, notably scoring a hat-trick in his third outing for the club in the 7-0 thrashing of Philadelphia Union.
With a full pre-season allowing Muller time to work with his teammates and get used to the methods of the manager, he should be set up nicely for a strong campaign and he looks a lively price to end as the top goalscorer.
Atlanta United to reach the MLS Cup final (+2500)
Since winning the MLS in 2018 and then reaching the semifinals the following year, Atlanta United's form dropped off massively in the next four seasons, as they failed to qualify for the playoffs twice and were knocked out in round one twice.
There were signs of life in 2024, as the Five Stripes made it to the quarterfinals, but they regressed last year under Ronny Deila, who was dismissed in October after he led the club to the worst season in their history, finishing 14th in the eastern conference and 28th overall in MLS standings.
In response to those failings, Atlanta made the decision to bring Gerardo 'Tata' Martino for a second stint, with the Argentine at the helm when United won the Eastern Conference and MLS Cup in 2018.
The 63-year-old's return could be just what Atlanta require to get themselves back among the big time and they have made some notable acquisitions ahead of the campaign.
Defender Elias Baez arrives from San Lorenzo, midfielder Adrian Gills joins after progressing through Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and goalkeeper Lucas Hoyos adds competition for the number one spot
Designated players Miguel Almiron, Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alexey Miranchuk boast plenty of quality and getting the best out of those three will be a big aim for Martino.
There certainly looks to be more positivity heading into this campaign and Martino could lead the club back to the MLS Cup final.
MLS Cup Odds
Inter Miami | +400 |
LAFC | +550 |
Vancouver Whitecaps | +900 |
San Diego FC | +1200 |
FC Cincinnati | +1400 |
Philadelphia | +1400 |
Columbus Crew | +1600 |
LA Galaxy | +1600 |
New York City | +1600 |
Seattle Sounders | +1800 |
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
