Buckle up, soccer fans, because the 2026 MLS season has kicked off with a bang! LAFC has dethroned Inter Miami at the top of the Power Rankings, but the real story is the explosive start to the season. From San Diego FC's goal-scoring frenzy to Chicago Fire FC's lead-blowing struggles, this season promises to be a wild ride. But here's where it gets controversial: can Inter Miami, despite their 3-0 drubbing by LAFC, still contend for the Concacaf Champions Cup title? And this is the part most people miss: the early weeks of the season are a rollercoaster of movement in the rankings, with teams leaping up to 14 spots based on a single data point. Everyone's just trying to find their footing.
LAFC's 3-0 victory over Inter Miami was a masterclass in control and danger, with Denis Bouanga, Son Heung-Min, and David Martínez dazzling a record-breaking crowd of over 75,000. Bouanga, in particular, was on fire, generating 2.11 expected goals and 0.85 expected assists. But is LAFC's dominance sustainable, or will other teams rise to challenge them? Inter Miami, despite their thrashing, might not face a tougher opponent all year, but their short runway to integrate new pieces could spell trouble for their Champions Cup aspirations.
San Diego FC, meanwhile, has been on a tear, winning their first two home matches by a combined score of 9-1. Their attack, even without Chucky Lozano, has been relentless, and an 18-year-old Right to Dream Academy graduate, Bryan Zamblé, scored just four minutes into his MLS debut. Is San Diego the real deal, or will they fizzle out as the season progresses?
Nashville SC is also making waves, with DP striker Sam Surridge scoring a brace in just 16 minutes and offseason signing Warren Madrigal tallying a goal and two assists in his MLS debut. Are they the dark horse contenders this season?
As the season unfolds, keep an eye on teams like Red Bull New York, who shocked everyone by starting three players under 18 and clobbering Orlando City, and Houston Dynamo FC, whose new DP forward Guilherme scored twice in 11 minutes to secure a win over Chicago. Will the kids take over MLS, or will experience prevail?
Thought-provoking questions abound: Can teams like Atlanta United and Toronto FC turn their seasons around? Will SKC's roster reshaping pay off? And what's the ceiling for a team like St. Louis CITY SC, who played aesthetically pleasing soccer but only managed a draw against Charlotte?
As the season heats up, one thing's for sure: this MLS season is going to be a thriller. What do you think? Which team will rise to the top, and which will fall short? Let the debates begin!
