Today is the day! The 2026 Major League Soccer season is just hours away from kicking off! Time for the final installment of Empire Soccer Report's preseason rankings/predictions.
Predicting the MLS final table, trophies and awards, starting with the Eastern Conference:
Inter Miami
FC Cincinnati
Nashville SC
Philadelphia Union
Charlotte FC
Chicago Fire
New York City FC
Columbus Crew
Orlando City
Atlanta United
Red Bull New York
New England Revolution
Toronto FC
DC United
CF Montreal
Los Angeles FC
San Diego FC
Vancouver Whitecaps
Seattle Sounders
Minnesota United
Austin FC
LA Galaxy
FC Dallas
Houston Dynamo
Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake
St. Louis City
San Jose Earthquakes
Colorado Rapids
Sporting KC
CONCACAF Champions Cup: Inter Miami
Supporters' Shield: Inter Miami
US Open Cup: Charlotte FC
MLS Cup: Los Angeles FC
Leagues Cup: Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
Most Valuable Player: Lionel Messi (MIA) *Three-peat*
Golden Boot: Son Heung-Min (LAFC)
Goalkeeper of the Year: Matt Freese (NYC)
Defender of the Year: Olwethu Makhanya (PHI)
Coach of the Year: BJ Callaghan (NSH)
Newcomer of the Year: Stephen Eustaquio (LAFC)
Young Player of the Year: Manu Duah (SDFC)
Comeback Player of the Year: Brandon Vazquez (ATX)
BEST XI:
GK M. Freese (NYC)
RB M. Yamane (LAG)
CB M. Duah (SDFC)
CB O. Makhanya (PHI)
LB A. Gutman (CHI)
CDM C. Roldan (SEA)
CM P. Bucha (CIN)
CAM L. Messi (MIA)
RW A. Dreyer (SDFC)
ST S. Heung-Min (LAFC)
LW D. Bouanga (LAFC)
In the latest episode of Empire Soccer Report, James Birle is joined by Luca Richman of @rbny.xp! With the MLS season about to begin, James and Luca discuss the latest player news, preview the Red Bulls' season opener against Orlando, predict season awards and more: