MLS Season Predictions: Vancouver Falters, Atlanta Rises

Experts weigh in on which teams will surprise and disappoint in the upcoming MLS season

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros of The Cooligans podcast are joined by Gio Savarese of MLS 360 to discuss their predictions for the 2026 MLS season. The panel believes that last year's surprise contender, the Vancouver Whitecaps, may struggle to replicate their success, while Atlanta United, under the guidance of returning coach Tata Martino, is poised for a bounce-back campaign after a disappointing 2025 season.

Why it matters

The MLS offseason is a time of great anticipation as fans and pundits alike speculate on which teams will rise to the top and which will fall short of expectations. These early predictions provide valuable insight into the potential storylines and power shifts that could shape the upcoming season.

The details

The experts believe that Vancouver's remarkable 2025 season, which saw them reach the MLS Cup final, will be difficult to sustain. They argue that the Whitecaps' deep run in multiple competitions last year may have taken a toll, and maintaining that level of performance will be a significant challenge. Meanwhile, Atlanta United, a perennial contender that struggled mightily in 2025, is expected to rebound under the leadership of returning coach Tata Martino. The panel believes that with Martino's tactical expertise and the addition of new players, Atlanta will be much improved and ready to compete at a high level once again.

  • The 2026 MLS season is set to kick off in the coming weeks.
  • The Vancouver Whitecaps recently played to a 0-0 draw in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

The players

Christian Polanco

Co-host of The Cooligans podcast.

Alexis Guerreros

Co-host of The Cooligans podcast.

Gio Savarese

Host of MLS 360 and former MLS player and coach.

Tata Martino

Head coach of Atlanta United, returning to the team after previously leading them to success.

Vancouver Whitecaps

An MLS team that reached the 2025 MLS Cup final but is expected to struggle to maintain that level of performance in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“I think Vancouver, as crazy as it is- -uh, it's just because what they, what they have done this past season was, incredible.”

— Gio Savarese, Host of MLS 360 (The Cooligans)

“Atlanta's now the, the king of soccer. You know, this is, like, the, the city to go to, the mecca of soccer, and all of a sudden, it just all capitulated.”

— Alexis Guerreros, Co-host of The Cooligans (The Cooligans)

What’s next

The 2026 MLS season is set to kick off in the coming weeks, with fans eagerly awaiting to see if the predictions made by the panel come to fruition.

The takeaway

The MLS offseason is a time of great speculation, and these early predictions highlight the potential for significant shifts in the league's power dynamics. While Vancouver's success last season was remarkable, sustaining that level of performance may prove challenging. Conversely, Atlanta United's return to form under Tata Martino could see them reclaim their status as one of the league's elite teams.