MLS 2026 season predictions: Experts pick MLS Cup winner, MVP, more

• Los Angeles FC among top contenders to prevent Inter Miami title repeat.
• LAFC's Son Heung-Min, along with Lionel Messi, are favorites to win MLS MVP.
• Inter Miami newcomer German Berterame could be pivotal player during 2026 MLS season.

With the 2026 Major League Soccer season kicking off this weekend, we surveyed USA TODAY Network's team of soccer experts for their predictions on how the new season will shake out.

Can Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami to consecutive league championships, thus becoming the first repeat MLS Cup winner since the Los Angeles Galaxy did it in 2011-12? Which teams are the top contenders to displace Miami's station atop the league? Who will win league MVP honors? Which player will score the most goals and claim the Golden Boot?

Here's how we see the 2026 MLS season unfolding:

Jim Reineking, USA TODAY Sports

MLS Cup: Los Angeles FC over Nashville SC

Eastern Conference playoff teams:

1. Inter Miami
2. Nashville SC
3. FC Cincinnati
4. Chicago Fire
5. Philadelphia Union
6. Columbus Crew
7. New York City FC
8. Charlotte FC
9. Toronto FC

Western Conference playoff teams:

1. LAFC
2. Vancouver Whitecaps
3. Seattle Sounders
4. San Diego FC
5. LA Galaxy
6. Minnesota United
7. Austin FC
8. Portland Timbers
9. FC Dallas

Supporters' Shield winner: Inter Miami

MVP: Hany Mukhtar, Nashville SC

Golden Boot: Denis Bouanga, Los Angeles FC

Jacob Shames, USA TODAY Network

MLS Cup: Inter Miami over Los Angeles FC

Eastern Conference playoff teams:

1. Inter Miami
2. FC Cincinnati
3. Nashville SC
4. Chicago Fire
5. Philadelphia Union
6. Orlando City
7. Charlotte FC
8. Atlanta United
9. New York City FC

Western Conference playoff teams:

1. LAFC
2. Vancouver Whitecaps
3. San Diego FC
4. Seattle Sounders
5. LA Galaxy
6. Real Salt Lake
7. Houston Dynamo
8. Austin FC
9. Minnesota United

Supporters' Shield: Inter Miami

MVP: Son Heung-Min, LAFC

Golden Boot: Thomas Müller, Vancouver Whitecaps

James Weber, USA TODAY Network

MLS Cup: Los Angeles FC over Miami

Eastern Conference playoff teams:

1. Inter Miami
2. Nashville SC
3. FC Cincinnati
4. Chicago Fire
5. Philadelphia Union
6. Columbus Crew
7. Orlando City SC
8. Charlotte FC
9. Toronto FC

Western Conference playoff teams:

1. LAFC
2. Vancouver Whitecaps
3. Seattle Sounders
4. LA Galaxy
5. San Diego FC
6. Austin FC
7. Houston Dynamo
8. Minnesota United
9. Real Salt Lake

Supporters' Shield winner: Inter Miami

MVP: Son Heung-Min, LAFC

Golden Boot: German Berterame, Inter Miami

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAY

MLS Cup: Inter Miami over Los Angeles FC

Eastern Conference playoff teams:

1. Inter Miami
2. FC Cincinnati
3. Nashville SC
4. Orlando City SC
5. Chicago Fire
6. Columbus Crew
7. Charlotte FC
8. Philadelphia Union
9. New England Revolution

Western Conference playoff teams:

1. LAFC
2. San Diego FC
3. Seattle Sounders
4. Vancouver Whitecaps
5. Portland Timbers
6. FC Dallas
7. Minnesota United
8. LA Galaxy
9. Austin FC

Supporters' Shield winner: Inter Miami

MVP: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami

Golden Boot: German Berterame, Inter Miami