Inter Miami Favored to Repeat as MLS Regular Season Champions

Analyst predicts tight race in Eastern Conference with several teams in playoff contention

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In his 2026 MLS regular season predictions, analyst Kyle Hayward sees Inter Miami CF as the favorites to repeat as the league's top team in the regular season. Hayward believes Miami has reloaded with key offseason additions like Sergio Reguilón, Rodrigo De Paul, and Germán Berterame to complement their existing stars. However, Hayward expects the Eastern Conference to be highly competitive, with several teams in the mix for playoff spots.

Why it matters

MLS has become known for its parity in recent years, with a tight gap between the top and bottom teams in the Eastern Conference. Hayward’s predictions suggest this trend will continue, making the regular season race an exciting one to follow for fans across the league.

The details

Hayward has Inter Miami CF finishing first in the Eastern Conference, predicting they will build on their 2025 MLS Cup triumph. He believes the additions of Sergio Reguilón, Rodrigo De Paul, and Germán Berterame will make Miami even stronger. In the rest of the East, Hayward sees a tight race, with Chicago Fire, FC Cincinnati, and Orlando City SC all expected to challenge for playoff spots. He is more skeptical about the chances of teams like New England Revolution, D.C. United, and CF Montréal.

  • The 2026 MLS regular season is set to kick off in the coming weeks.

The players

Inter Miami CF

The defending MLS Cup champions, who Hayward predicts will repeat as the top team in the Eastern Conference regular season standings.

Sergio Reguilón

A new signing for Inter Miami CF who Hayward believes will help strengthen the team’s defense.

Rodrigo De Paul

An Argentine midfielder who has joined Inter Miami CF on a permanent basis after previously being on loan, adding to their talented roster.

Germán Berterame

A new attacking signing for Inter Miami CF from Monterrey, who Hayward thinks will boost their offensive firepower.

Chicago Fire

Hayward predicts the Fire will firmly establish themselves as a playoff team in 2026 under head coach Gregg Berhalter.

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What they’re saying

“I'll preface this with an apology: I'm sorry. Yes, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba were generational, and now they're gone. But Sergio Reguilón is slotting in at left back, Rodrigo De Paul is in Miami permanently, and the Goalkeeper of the Year just arrived in South Beach. That's not even touching on the addition of Germán Berterame from Monterrey, or that other Argentinian guy they've got. Surprise! The defending MLS Cup champions are going to be good — quite possibly even better than they were in 2025.”

— Kyle Hayward, Analyst (mnufc.com)

What’s next

The 2026 MLS regular season is set to kick off in the coming weeks, with fans eagerly anticipating how Hayward's predictions will play out on the field.

The takeaway

Hayward’s predictions highlight the growing parity in MLS, with the Eastern Conference shaping up to be a highly competitive race. While Inter Miami are favored to repeat as regular season champions, several other teams are expected to challenge for playoff spots, making for an exciting season ahead.