MLS 2026 Season Predictions — Expert Picks, MVP & More

The rich have clearly gotten richer.

Inter Miami have strengthened an already-powerhouse squad by adding 2025 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair, left-back Sergio Reguilón and Mexico national team star Germán Berterame.

Expect bucketloads of goals, midfield dominance, a tough-to-break down defense and commanding performances from Dayne St. Clair.

It's possible that the Herons could surpass their previous MLS record of 74 points set during their 2024 campaign.

Newcomer of the Year: Germán Berterame, Inter Miami

Berterame will make a smooth transition into the high-powered Miami goal machine.

Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Tadeo Allende and co. will create tons of opportunities for Berterame to finish.

Golden Boot: Thomas Müller, Vancouver Whitecaps

The 2026 MLS Golden Boot could come down to a three-way fight between Messi, Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller.

Müller got started to life in Major League Soccer by scoring seven goals in his first seven MLS regular-season matches. The 36-year-old former Bayern Munich ace is ready to torment defenses around the league over a full season after giving us a taste of his unpredictable movements and clinical finishing last season.

MVP: Son Heung-min, LAFC

Even if Son loses out on the Golden Boot, he could lead the league in goal contributions.

It's going to take something truly special to beat out Messi for MVP, and the South Korea national team captain has what it takes to get his hands on the Landon Donovan MVP Award.

2026 MLS Cup final Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps FC over Inter Miami

After losing last year's final, Vancouver will do one better by defeating Inter Miami in December's 2026 MLS Cup final.

Müller and Sebastian Berhalter will get most of the plaudits, but the Whitecaps have a very deep roster. Given the spotlight on the duo, it's possible to forget that Tristan Blackmon won MLS Defender of the Year and Brian White turned in an All-Star season.

It'll be Van City over Vice City.