MLS Power Rankings: LAFC Secures Top Spot Following Victory Against Miami and Messi
It’s Tuesday, and MLS is back in action for 2026, marking the return of ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Which teams appear to be the strongest in the early days of 2026? Which teams might face a challenging season ahead? Our writers analyzed the events from Matchday 1 to establish this week’s rankings. Let’s take a look.
– Messi tracker: Goals, assists, key moments in 2026 for Miami and Argentina
– Can African players make an impact in MLS similar to their influence in the NWSL?
– Messi faces challenges in MLS debut against LAFC; will it affect his World Cup aspirations?
1. LAFC
LAFC has already emerged as a title contender before the season commenced, showcasing their strength with a commanding 3-0 win over Inter Miami. While Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min played significant roles, goals from David Martínez and Nathan Ordaz will certainly boost fan optimism at this early juncture.
2. Nashville SC
Their offense looks promising! Newcomer Warren Madrigal made an impact with a goal and two assists in a 4-1 victory against the Revolution, and he wasn’t even the marquee signing; that honor went to Cristian Espinoza, who also had a solid debut.
3. San Diego FC
Following the contentious decision to exclude designated player Hirving Lozano from the squad, SDFC began the year by advancing past Pumas in the Concacaf Champions Cup and defeating Montréal 5-0 on Saturday. The match was more lopsided than anticipated due to a red card, but scoring five goals from five different players is always noteworthy. Perhaps they are indeed stronger without Chucky?
4. Vancouver Whitecaps
The Whitecaps secured a 1-0 home victory over RSL, thanks to a goal from AZ Jackson. Jackson joined the team in the winter to bolster the squad, allowing two wide attackers to shift positions. This strong start is crucial ahead of the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup against Cartagines this week.
5. FC Cincinnati
Although losing Evander within the first 15 minutes was not ideal, FCC managed to rally and secure a 2-0 victory over Atlanta United. The defense rose to the occasion, effectively outplaying the Five Stripes, while Gerardo Valenzuela created three opportunities in Evander’s absence. Nevertheless, FCC will hope for his swift return.
6. Seattle Sounders
The Sounders triumphed over an early injury to Jordan Morris and a disjointed first half, which included a goal disallowed after video review, to achieve a 2-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids in their season opener. While Morris’s injury is concerning, Paul Rothrock stepped up immediately, netting the second goal of the evening.
7. Inter Miami CF
The defending champions did not have the start to the season they desired. The Herons suffered a 3-0 defeat to LAFC at the Coliseum, and Lionel Messi’s frustration with the officiating continued into the tunnel, making headlines afterward. The underlying issue may be Miami’s ongoing defensive struggles from last season and the adjustment period forward Germán Berterame may require. Nonetheless, this team is still likely to accumulate points.
8. New York Red Bulls
Red Bulls manager Michael Bradley surprised many before his first match in charge by fielding a 17-year-old forward, a 16-year-old midfielder (Adri Mehmeti), and a 17-year-old defender (Matthew Dos Santos) on the road against Orlando City.
That forward, Julian Hall, scored twice in a 2-1 victory, with the Red Bulls dominating the match and achieving an xG of 4.64 thanks to a lively first half. It’s still early, but optimism is warranted.
9. Portland Timbers
The Timbers kicked off the season with a 3-2 home win against the Crew. There were some tense moments and defensive confusion, but they secured the three points thanks to a late goal from Ariel Lassiter. Colombian Diego Chará made his 400th start for the Timbers in midfield and played the full match.
10. Houston Dynamo
Guilherme had an impressive MLS debut, scoring both goals for the Dynamo in a 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire. Fellow offseason signing Mateusz Bogusz took three shots, but manager Ben Olsen will hope for greater involvement from him as the season unfolds.
11. Philadelphia Union
The reigning Supporters’ Shield champions had a successful Concacaf Champions Cup trip to the Caribbean (which they won decisively), but a 1-0 loss to D.C. United was not the start to 2026 they anticipated. The sight of former forward Tai Baribo scoring the decisive goal only added to the disappointment for the Union and their supporters. Ezekiel Alladoh had a strong CCC debut but was later sent off in this match for inappropriate gestures and language.
play1:11DC United vs. Philadelphia Union – Game Highlights
Watch the Game Highlights from DC United vs. Philadelphia Union, 02/21/2026
12. New York City FC
NYCFC relied on a bit of penalty luck to secure an equalizer in a 1-1 draw with the Galaxy, with Nico Fernández successfully converting from the spot after the visitors overcame an early setback. It was a well-deserved point, as the Pigeons generated more chances following their early concession.
13. San Jose Earthquakes
A surprising brace from center back Daniel Munie helped San Jose begin the season with a 3-0 victory over Sporting KC. While this is a strong start, the Quakes could climb higher in the rankings if they can replicate this performance against teams with more established rosters than an SKC currently in transition.
14. Minnesota United
The Loons managed to secure a point on the road with a 2-2 draw at Austin FC, displaying some signs of adaptation under new manager Cameron Knowles while maintaining the identity developed over recent seasons. This may change, however, once winter signing James Rodríguez is fully integrated.
15. St. Louis City SC
St. Louis opened the scoring with a team play finished by Marcel Hartel but had to settle for a 1-1 draw after conceding just 13 minutes later. Yoann Damet can take encouragement from the fact that many of their play principles were evident, as St. Louis created scoring chances but failed to convert enough of them.
16. Charlotte FC
Charlotte started slowly but managed to secure a point with a goal from Pep Biel in a 1-1 draw. The standout performer was goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina, who made 10 saves to help earn the point. After only two draws last season, Charlotte may be starting a new trend this year.
17. FC Dallas
FC Dallas’ fortunes are closely tied to Petar Musa, who scored twice in a 3-2 win over Toronto. It was a match filled with back-and-forth action, and for FCD to continue securing victories, they will need to tighten their defense. As long as the Croatian forward maintains his form, FC Dallas will continue to earn points.
18. LA Galaxy
New signing João Klauss got the 2026 season underway with a goal in the second minute, but the Galaxy could not maintain their lead. Carlos Garcés received a red card, conceding a penalty with the foul that earned him a second yellow, resulting in a 1-1 draw with NYCFC. The Galaxy must quickly regroup with the second leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup series against Sporting San Miguelito approaching on Tuesday.
play1:09LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC – Game Highlights
LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC – Game Highlights
19. Columbus Crew
The Crew started positively in Portland with a goal from Wessam Abou Ali and also enjoyed a stunning strike from Diego Rossi, but they ultimately left empty-handed, losing 3-2 after Lassiter capitalized on a loose ball in the box that went unclaimed. More effort will be needed to reach the heights of previous seasons.
20. D.C. United
D.C. had an excellent start to the season, with new signing Tai Baribo netting a well-taken goal in a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union. However, given last season’s struggles, it’s challenging to rank D.C. much higher than 20 until they demonstrate consistency.
21. Chicago Fire
After dominating the first half, the Fire struggled to contain Dynamo forward Guilherme, who scored twice, leading to a 2-1 defeat. The opening 45 minutes will provide a foundation for them to build upon.
22. Austin FC
Unlike last season, Austin found the back of the net in a 2-2 draw with Minnesota United, but conceding two headers—something that was likely discussed tactically before facing the Loons—will leave Nico Estévez feeling frustrated.
23. Real Salt Lake
Facing Vancouver in their season opener was a challenging task, and RSL was unable to meet the challenge. The Whitecaps appeared sharper in a 1-0 match that saw the home side claim all three points.
24. Orlando City
The Lions struggled to respond as the New York Red Bulls launched continuous attacks. It wasn’t until late in the match that Orlando managed to score in a 2-1 home loss to kick off the season.
25. Atlanta United
At this juncture, it’s unclear whether Atlanta United is seeking a new direction or reverting to the previous era with Tata Martino back at the helm. Regardless, their performance fell short in a 2-0 defeat to FC Cincinnati.
26. Toronto FC
TFC is still in the process of finding their rhythm with Josh Sargent set to join the squad, but a 3-2 loss to FC Dallas highlighted the challenges they face.
27. Colorado Rapids
The Rapids concluded the MLS weekend with a trip to Seattle, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat. The first half was marred by several video reviews, resulting in a lack of flow, and the Rapids failed to generate much excitement with only three shots on goal, none of which posed a significant threat.
28. New England Revolution
The Revs struggled against Nashville SC’s potent offense, losing 4-1 on the road in Marko Mitrovic’s first match as manager. Leonardo Campana connected well with Carles Gil, but more of that synergy will be necessary, along with clear improvements in defense.
29. Sporting Kansas City
This team is still in the process of forming, as evidenced by their 3-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. Raphael Wicky has significant work ahead, even as reinforcements arrive.
30. CF Montréal
Tomás Avilés’ red card in the 50th minute of Montreal’s match against San Diego FC certainly complicated matters, but
