Expert predictions: 2026 MLS Cup, MVP, Golden Boot & more

Get out your crystal ball. It's time to forecast the MLS season.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Major League Soccer experts weigh in on their predictions for the 2026 MLS season, including who will win the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, MVP, Golden Boot, and Newcomer of the Year awards.

Why it matters

These expert predictions provide insight into the potential storylines and standout players to watch for in the upcoming MLS season, which is highly anticipated given the league's growing popularity and talent pool.

The details

The experts are split on who will win the 2026 MLS Cup, with over half picking Inter Miami CF to defeat LAFC. LAFC is the favorite to win the Supporters' Shield, though Inter Miami CF and FC Cincinnati are also in the mix. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF and Son Heung-Min of LAFC are the top picks for league MVP, while Messi, LAFC's Denis Bouanga, and Inter Miami's Germán Berterame are favorites for the Golden Boot. Berterame, a newcomer from Mexico's Liga MX, is the consensus pick for Newcomer of the Year.

  • The 2026 MLS season kicks off on Saturday.
  • Inter Miami CF won the 2025 MLS Cup by defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-1.
  • The Philadelphia Union are the reigning Supporters' Shield champions.
  • Lionel Messi won the MLS MVP award in 2024 and 2025.
  • Denis Bouanga won the MLS Golden Boot in 2023.

The players

Lionel Messi

An Argentine superstar who plays for Inter Miami CF and is the favorite to win his third consecutive MLS MVP award.

Son Heung-Min

A South Korean forward who joined LAFC from Tottenham Hotspur in the EPL and is expected to contend for the MLS MVP and Golden Boot awards.

Germán Berterame

A Mexican international forward who joined Inter Miami CF from CF Monterrey in Liga MX and is the consensus pick for Newcomer of the Year.

Denis Bouanga

An LAFC forward who won the MLS Golden Boot in 2023 and is expected to be in the running again in 2026.

Anders Dreyer

The San Diego FC forward who was the MLS Newcomer of the Year in 2025 and an MVP runner-up to Lionel Messi.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Inter Miami CF win vs. LAFC”

— Andrés Agulla (mlssoccer.com)

“LAFC win vs. Inter Miami CF”

— Kaylyn Kyle (mlssoccer.com)

“Lionel Messi (MIA) will win the 2026 Landon Donovan MLS MVP”

— Sacha Kljestan (mlssoccer.com)

“Lionel Messi (MIA) will win the 2026 Golden Boot presented by Audi”

— Steve Cangialosi (mlssoccer.com)

“Germán Berterame (MIA) will win 2026 Newcomer of the Year”

— Dax McCarty (mlssoccer.com)

The takeaway

The 2026 MLS season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with high-profile signings like Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, and Germán Berterame expected to make an immediate impact. The race for the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, individual awards, and Newcomer of the Year will be closely watched as the league continues to grow in popularity and talent.