FM26 Simulates 2026 MLS season

QUARTER OF A SEASON CHECK-IN

After 12 matches, Vancouver Whitecaps sat atop the Supporters’ Shield standings with a four-point cushion over Charlotte FC.

Third-placed Orlando City were also on 22 points, four ahead of defending champions Inter Miami who were down in 12th.

THE HALFWAY POINT

At the halfway point of the season, all the teams were between the 18 and 22 game mark with teams that advanced further in continental competitions playing fewer MLS games.

Despite playing four fewer matches, LAFC led the overall standings, level on points with Real Salt Lake but ahead on the games won tiebreaker. The battle for Supporters’ Shield glory looked like it would be a tight race with only three points separating first and eighth place.

AFTER 25 GAMES

With nine games of the season to go, there was a new team sitting top of the table as Orlando City boasted a three-point gap on Toronto FC. The Reds had a game in hand, setting up a nail-biting conclusion to the regular season.

New York Red Bulls jumped up to ninth place in the Eastern Conference, moving into the play-off places for the first time this season, in part thanks to their recent strong from which had seen them only lose a single game in their last five outings.

END OF REGULAR SEASON

Orlando City SC claimed the regular season championship taking home their first Supporters’ Shield title while also topping the East, while Vancouver Whitecaps clinched the Western Conference regular season championship.

A 2–1 victory over Columbus Crew on the final day sealed Atlanta United’s place in the MLS Cup play-offs. Despite defeat, Columbus also secured progression as the only team who could leapfrog them, New England Revolution, were beaten by Vancouver on the final day.

Reigning Shield winners, Inter Miami, failed to defend their title and in an average season only managed a 10th place finish in the Supporters’ Shield but did qualify for the play-offs.

In addition to claiming the Supporters’ Shield, Orlando City took home a continental trophy, while there was also success on the pitch for Charlotte FC who won the US Cup.

MLS Cup play-offs

Wild Card

The MLS Cup play-offs began with the Eastern and Western Conference Wild Card match; a one-off match played between the eighth and ninth placed team in each Conference.

In a repeat of their final regular season match, Atlanta United came out victorious against Columbus Crew, thanks to goals from Miguel Almirón and Luke Brennan.

Meanwhile, LA Galaxy beat Colorado on the road 2-0, Riqui Puig sealing their progress with an 89th minute goal.

First Round

Teams play each other in a best of three format, with games being decided on penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes and extra time.

The first round saw two penalty shootouts with New York overcoming reigning champions Inter Miami and Orlando beating Atlanta.

There was also an emphatic win for Philadelphia over Charlotte, while Nashville won narrowly on the road at Toronto.

The Western Conference first leg took place the following day with Minnesota claiming a road win over St Louis City while there were penalty wins for both LA Galaxy and LAFC. Seattle suffered a disappointing 3-0 loss at Real Salt Lake.

Only a single tie required a third decider match with the other ties all settled after the second leg.

Current MLS Cup holders, Inter Miami, won the second leg against the Red Bulls to take the series to a decider. The resulting fixture ended 2-2 thanks to a dramatic 98th minute equaliser from Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg. His team went onto win the match on penalties to continue their MLS Cup journey.

Semi Finals

The semi-finals saw New York and Philadelphia claim victories in the East, booking their places in the Conference Final. Over in the West, LAFC got the job done against Minnesota, while Vancouver won 2-1 over Real Salt Lake and qualified for their second successive Conference Final.

Conference Finals

The Eastern Conference Final saw the Red Bulls book just their third-ever MLS Cup Final appearance, defeating Philadelphia Union 3–1. Red Bulls captain Forsberg put in a player of the match performance sealing his team progress with a hat-trick, while Bruno Damiani scored a late consolation for the Union.

Over the border in Canada, the Whitecaps beat LAFC 2-0 with a double from Thomas Müller punching their ticket to MLS Cup Final for the second season in the row.

MLS Cup Final

The 2026 MLS Cup Final took place at BC Place, the home of Vancouver Whitecaps. There wasn’t much to separate the teams, but the Red Bulls were slight favourites ahead of the match.

The visitors controlled the game in terms of possession, with over 60% of the ball throughout the game, although the home team had the edge on shots.

The game remained goalless until eight minutes from full-time when Rafael Mosquera scored to give the visitors the lead and win MLS Cup for the red side of New York.

A dream start to Michael Bradley’s managerial reign in his debut season as he guides his team to Championship victory for the first time in their history.

Awards

Nashville’s Sam Surridge claimed the MLS Golden Boot after firing in 22 goals across the campaign, while Inter Miami’s Telasco Segovia was named MVP.

Unsurprisingly, Michael Bradley scooped MLS Coach of the Year after guiding New York to their first-ever MLS Cup triumph.

Inter Miami continued their strong showing off the pitch too, with Argentina international Rodrigo de Paul taking home MLS Newcomer of the Year, while Charlotte’s Kristijan Kahlina was crowned MLS Goalkeeper of the Year after recording 15 clean sheets during the season.

So, that’s FM26’s prediction. Orlando City will claim the Supporters’ Shield while New York Red Bulls finally end their years of hurt and lift MLS Cup at the third time of asking. We’ll be watching the 2026 season with close intent to see whether our prediction comes to fruition…