Tuesday has arrived, marking the return of MLS endeavors for 2026, and with it, ESPN unveils its Power Rankings.
Which clubs appear most formidable during the initial period of 2026? Conversely, who seems poised for a challenging campaign? After scrutinizing the performances from the entirety of Matchday 1, our correspondents have compiled this week’s standings. Let us commence.
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Having been considered a championship contender even prior to the season’s commencement, LAFC thoroughly defeated Inter Miami, securing a 3-0 triumph. While Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min undeniably played a part, the contributions of goals from forwards David Martínez and Nathan Ordaz will undoubtedly boost supporter optimism during this nascent phase.
Their offensive unit appears quite potent! New acquisition Warren Madrigal contributed a goal and two setups in a 4-1 conquest against the Revolution, and remarkably, the Costa Rican international was not even their most prominent new signing. That distinction belonged to Cristian Espinoza, who also enjoyed a commendable first appearance.
Following the contentious choice to exclude designated player Hirving Lozano from the roster, SDFC’s initial actions this year included prevailing over Pumas in the Concacaf Champions Cup and then decisively defeating Montréal 5-0 on Saturday. This particular match proved more imbalanced than anticipated due to a player’s dismissal, yet netting five goals from five distinct players remains consistently remarkable. Perhaps they genuinely perform superiorly without “Chucky”?
The Whitecaps secured a 1-0 victory at home against RSL, attributable to a goal by AZ Jackson. Jackson’s arrival during the winter aimed to bolster the Caps’ defense, facilitating the departure of two wide attackers. This represents an excellent early performance and a crucial win preceding their Concacaf Champions Cup second leg encounter with Cartagines this week.
The early departure of Evander within the initial 15 minutes of the game was suboptimal, yet FCC successfully navigated this setback to achieve a 2-0 triumph against Atlanta United. In the absence of their Brazilian standout, the defensive unit elevated its play, completely dominating the Five Stripes, and Gerardo Valenzuela indeed generated three scoring opportunities. Nevertheless, FCC will undoubtedly wish for his prompt return.
The Sounders surmounted an early injury sustained by Jordan Morris and a disjointed first half, which included a disallowed goal following video review, en route to a 2-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids to commence their season. While Morris’s injury is regrettable, Paul Rothrock promptly filled the void, netting the team’s second goal of the evening.
This inaugural match was not the seasonal commencement the reigning champions had envisioned. The Herons suffered a 3-0 defeat against LAFC at the Coliseum, and Lionel Messi’s discontent with the referees extended into the tunnel, subsequently dominating news reports. The more significant narrative could revolve around the persistence of Miami’s defensive difficulties from the previous season, and the period of acclimatization required by striker Germán Berterame. Notwithstanding, this squad is still expected to accumulate numerous points.
Red Bulls head coach Michael Bradley elicited surprise prior to his senior team coaching premiere, by fielding a 17-year-old attacker, a 16-year-old central player (Adri Mehmeti), and a 17-year-old back (Matthew Dos Santos) in an away fixture against Orlando City.
That striker, Julian Hall, netted a brace in a 2-1 victory where the Red Bulls showcased their dominance, amassing an xG of 4.64, primarily due to a spirited first half. It is quite nascent in the season, yet why refrain from embracing optimism?
The Timbers commenced their season with a 3-2 home triumph over the Crew. Despite encountering some anxious periods — and instances of defensive disarray — they secured the three points, largely owing to Ariel Lassiter’s late strike. Colombian Diego Chará marked his 400th start for the Timbers in the midfield, playing the entire duration.
This marks a promising MLS introduction for Guilherme, who tallied both Dynamo goals in a 2-1 win against the Chicago Fire. His new teammate from the offseason, Mateusz Bogusz, registered three attempts, but coach Ben Olsen will anticipate his greater participation as the season unfolds.
The reigning Supporters’ Shield holders undertook a Concacaf Champions Cup excursion to the Caribbean (from which they emerged victorious with conviction), however, a 1-0 defeat to D.C. United did not represent the desired beginning to their 2026 campaign. Witnessing former attacker Tai Baribo net the decisive goal merely amplified the disappointment for the Union and their supporters. Ezekiel Alladoh experienced a commendable CCC debut but was subsequently dismissed in this match for an offensive gesture and verbal outburst.
1:11
DC United vs. Philadelphia Union – Match Highlights
Observe the Key Moments from DC United vs. Philadelphia Union, 02/21/2026
NYCFC required a measure of fortune from a penalty kick to secure the leveling goal in a 1-1 stalemate against the Galaxy, but Nico Fernández adeptly converted from the spot, allowing the visiting side to recover from an initial disadvantage. It was a merited point, with the Pigeons generating additional opportunities after surrendering a goal in the latter
minute.
A surprising brace from central defender Daniel Munie propelled San Jose to commence their season with a dominant 3-0 victory against Sporting KC. While a promising start, the Quakes will ascend higher in the standings only if they can replicate this performance against teams boasting more seasoned squads than an SKC side currently undergoing a significant transition period.
The Loons managed to secure a point away from home with a two-all stalemate at Austin FC, displaying early signs of adaptation under new manager Cameron Knowles while preserving the established character cultivated over recent seasons. This dynamic could naturally transform, however, once winter signing James Rodríguez becomes fully operational.
St. Louis initiated the scoring following a collective effort culminated by Marcel Hartel but was compelled to accept a 1-1 draw after allowing an equalizer a mere 13 minutes subsequent. Yoann Damet will find encouragement that many of the foundational tactics were evident, as St. Louis generated chances to score but failed to convert a sufficient number of them.
Charlotte endured an uninspired beginning but secured a goal from Pep Biel to depart with a shared point in a one-all tie. The true protagonist, though, proved to be goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. The Croat executed ten crucial stops to aid in obtaining the point. Charlotte registered merely two stalemates throughout the previous campaign but could be initiating a fresh pattern in the current season.
The fortunes of FC Dallas are intrinsically linked to Petar Musa, and on Saturday, he delivered two goals in a triumphant 3-2 win against Toronto. It was a fluctuating contest, and for FCD to continue securing victories, they will need to fortify their defense. Nevertheless, as long as the Croatian forward remains in peak condition, FC Dallas will accumulate points.
New acquisition from the offseason, João Klauss, initiated proceedings for the 2026 season with a goal in the second minute, but the Galaxy failed to maintain their advantage. Carlos Garcés was dismissed, giving away a penalty due to the infraction that resulted in his second caution, and the match concluded in a one-all stalemate with NYCFC. The Galaxy must swiftly move past this result, with the second leg of a Concacaf Champions Cup series against Sporting San Miguelito scheduled for Tuesday.
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LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC – Match Highlights
LA Galaxy vs. New York City FC – Match Highlights
The Crew commenced well in Portland with a goal from Wessam Abou Ali and also delighted in a spectacular goal from Diego Rossi, but they failed to secure any points from the fixture, suffering a 3-2 defeat after Lassiter pounced on an uncleared ball within the penalty area. It will demand greater exertion to replicate the achievements of previous campaigns.
It was a superb commencement to the season for D.C., with recent acquisition Tai Baribo netting a well-taken goal in a narrow 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union. The prior season proved incredibly challenging, however, making it difficult to position D.C. significantly above 20th place until a degree of steadiness is demonstrated.
After dominating the initial half, the Fire were unable to contain Dynamo attacker Guilherme, who bagged a brace as the home team defeated the Fire with a 2-1 outcome. The initial 45 minutes provide a foundation for future development.
In contrast to the previous campaign, scoring opportunities materialized for Austin in a two-all tie with Minnesota United, but allowing two headed goals, especially when that certainly was a key element of the strategic discussion preceding the match with the Loons, is bound to dishearten Nico Estévez.
A journey to Vancouver presents a formidable challenge for the opening fixture of the campaign, but RSL failed to meet the occasion. The Caps appeared sharper in a match decided by a single goal that resulted in the hosts claiming maximum points.
The Lions failed to respond effectively as the New York Red Bulls launched relentless waves of assaults. Orlando managed to score only when it was significantly belated, ultimately suffering a 2-1 loss on their home ground to commence the season.
Currently, it remains ambiguous whether Atlanta United desires a fresh chapter or a return to the past with Tata Martino reinstated as coach. Irrespective of the situation, their display was insufficient in a two-goal defeat to FC Cincinnati.
Elements are still coalescing for TFC with Josh Sargent imminently joining to spearhead the attack, but a 3-2 setback to FC Dallas demonstrated the significant distance they still need to cover.
The Rapids concluded the MLS weekend by journeying to Seattle and experiencing a 2-0 defeat. The initial half of the game suffered from a lack of rhythm due to multiple video assistant referee (VAR) checks, but the Rapids provided little to inspire enthusiasm with only three attempts on target in the defeat, none particularly threatening.
The Revs were unable to counter Nashville SC’s potent offense, suffering a 4-1 away loss in Marko Mitrovic’s first match as manager. Leonardo Campana did establish a connection with Carles Gil, but a greater degree of this will be necessary in addition to the evident enhancements to their defensive line.
This is a team still in the process of formation, and this was evident in their 3-0 defeat to the San Jose Earthquakes. Raphael Wicky has considerable tasks ahead, even with additional players joining the squad.
Tomás Avilés’ dismissal in the 50th minute of Montreal’s match with San Diego FC undoubtedly complicated matters, but the Montreal-based squad was already trailing 2-0 by then, culminating in a humiliating 5-0 rout. This season might prove arduous.