2026 MLS Preseason Table and Award Predictions

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:

2026 MLS Eastern Conference Projected Table

1. Inter Miami

2. FC Cincinnati

3. Nashville SC

4. Philadelphia Union

5. Charlotte FC

6. Chicago Fire

7. New York City FC

8. Columbus Crew

9. Orlando City

10. Atlanta United

11. Red Bull New York

12. New England Revolution

13. Toronto FC

14. DC United

15. CF Montreal

2026 MLS Western Conference Projected Table

1. Los Angeles FC

2. San Diego FC

3. Vancouver Whitecaps

4. Seattle Sounders

5. Minnesota United

6. Austin FC

7. LA Galaxy

8. FC Dallas

9. Houston Dynamo

10. Portland Timbers

11. Real Salt Lake

12. St. Louis City

13. San Jose Earthquakes

14. Colorado Rapids

15. Sporting KC

2026 Projected Trophy Winners

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)

Empire Soccer Report Episode 7 is live!

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: