A new MLS season is upon us, kicking off what will be a huge year for soccer across North America.
Inter Miami opens the 2026 season as the reigning champs, although the slate is clean for them and everyone else.
Let’s dig into the MLS Cup odds for the 2026 season, while I share my MLS Cup winner pick.
2026 MLS Cup Betting Odds
All soccer odds used for these 2026 MLS Cup predictions are current as of Wednesday, Feb. 18, and courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Inter Miami (+450)
- LAFC (+600)
- Vancouver Whitecaps (+900)
- San Diego FC (+1200)
- Philadelphia Union (+1400)
- FC Cincinnati (+1400)
- LA Galaxy (+1800)
- Seattle Sounders (+2000)
- NYCFC (+2000)
- Columbus Crew (+2000)
All other teams have MLS odds of +2500 or longer.
Who Will Win the 2026 MLS Cup?
LAFC (+600)
Los Angeles came on strong late last season after the midseason addition of Son Heung-min, and now they will have the South Korean international for a full season.
Son scored nine goals in just 10 games for LAFC last season, so he figures to be among the league’s best players in 2026.
Gabon international Denis Bouanga also gives LAFC a player who’s scored at least 20 goals in three straight seasons, while the offseason addition of Canadian internationals Stephen Eustaquio and Jacob Shaffelburg makes this team far more talented and dangerous than last season.
Back LAFC to lift the trophy as one of your best MLS bets today.
MLS Cup Contenders
Inter Miami (+450)
Even if they weren’t the defending champs, Inter Miami would still be the team to beat because they have Lionel Messi.
The Herons also have the shortest MLS Cup odds because there is every reason to believe that Messi and Luis Suarez can provide enough firepower to win another title.
The drawback is that Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets have retired, so the Miami midfield and back line will look different in 2026.
On the other hand, Argentine international Rodrigo De Paul will be with Inter Miami for a full season, securing the midfield and allowing Messi to handle the rest.
Vancouver Whitecaps (+900)
It’s impossible to overlook last year’s runner-up as a championship contender in 2026, especially since the Whitecaps were tied with Miami with 30 minutes remaining in last year’s MLS Cup.
However, there are questions about whether Vancouver can run it back this season after sneaking up on teams last year.
Outside of Senegal international Cheikh Sabaly, the Whitecaps didn’t make any meaningful offseason additions.
Instead, they’ll hope that Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White, and the aging Thomas Müller can replicate last year’s performance and rise to the top of the Western Conference.
MLS Cup Sleeper Pick
Seattle Sounders (+2000)
Brian Schmetzer and the Sounders are no strangers to success, which is why Seattle is worth considering as a sleeper.
The squad is solid and experienced, with Stefan Frei hoping to retain his starting spot in goal and Cristian Roldan manning the midfield after an outstanding 2025 campaign.
The Sounders know they’ll get offensive production from Albert Rusnak and Danny Musovski.
If they can get a little more out of a proven goal scorer like Jesus Ferreira, who’s coming off a down season, and the aging Jordan Morris, who might still have something left in the tank, Seattle can exceed expectations and become a legitimate title contender.
