Major League Soccer
United States United States League

Major League Soccer

2026

30

Teams

510

Matches

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MLS

Messi pulls strings in four-goal Atlanta thriller

Lionel Messi set up both goals for Inter Miami as the Major League Soccer champions drew 2-2 with Atlanta United on Saturday in the Argentina star’s first match since announcing his retirement from international football.

Foster joins Houston Dynamo on loan from Burnley

The Bafana Bafana striker moves to MLS after four seasons in English football.

At 39, Messi is still MLS’s most dangerous man

A four-goal haul in a franchise-record win has sent Messi back to the top of the 2026 Golden Boot race, extending a run of dominance that shows no signs of stopping.

Major League Soccer Table

# Team P W L Pts Form
1
Nashville SC
23 16 2 53
D W W W W
2
Vancouver Whitecaps
22 13 5 43
L W W L W
3
Inter Miami
23 12 4 43
D W L D L
4
Houston Dynamo
23 12 7 40
D D L W W
5
Chicago Fire
22 11 6 38
D D D W W
6
Los Angeles FC
24 10 7 37
D D D L L

Top 4 qualify for European competition

Teams

Nashville SC

Nashville SC

NSH

W 16
Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver Whitecaps

VAN

W 13
Inter Miami

Inter Miami

MIA

W 12
Houston Dynamo

Houston Dynamo

HOU

W 12
Chicago Fire

Chicago Fire

CHI

W 11
Los Angeles FC

Los Angeles FC

LAF

W 10

Complete guide to Major League Soccer

Major League Soccer is the top tier of professional football in the United States and Canada. It is the leading competition in North American football and has grown significantly in global relevance.

Organised by Major League Soccer, the league features clubs across the United States and Canada competing for domestic honours.

History and background

MLS was founded in 1996 following the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The league has expanded steadily, increasing the number of teams and attracting international players, helping raise its global profile.

Format and competition structure

MLS operates a conference-based system.

Regular season

  • Teams are split into Eastern and Western Conferences
  • Clubs play across both conferences
  • Standard points system applies

Supporters’ Shield

  • Awarded to the team with the best regular-season record

In 2025, the Supporters’ Shield was won by Philadelphia Union.

Playoffs and MLS Cup

  • Top teams qualify for playoffs
  • Knockout format
  • MLS Cup determines the league champion

The 2025 MLS Cup was won by Inter Miami, marking the club’s first title.

Qualification for continental competition

  • MLS Cup winners qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup
  • Supporters’ Shield winners also qualify
  • Additional places allocated through league standings

Dynasties and dominant eras

LA Galaxy success

LA Galaxy are the most successful club in MLS history, winning five MLS Cup titles.

D.C. United early dominance

D.C. United dominated the early years of MLS, setting the benchmark for success.

Modern era growth

Recent seasons have seen increased competition, with new clubs and international players strengthening the league.

Recent MLS Cup winners

  • 2025: Inter Miami
  • 2024: LA Galaxy
  • 2023: Columbus Crew
  • 2022: Los Angeles FC
  • 2021: New York City FC

List of MLS Cup winners

  • 1996: D.C. United
  • 1997: D.C. United
  • 1998: Chicago Fire
  • 1999: D.C. United
  • 2000: Kansas City Wizards
  • 2001: San Jose Earthquakes
  • 2002: Los Angeles Galaxy
  • 2003: San Jose Earthquakes
  • 2004: D.C. United
  • 2005: Los Angeles Galaxy
  • 2006: Houston Dynamo
  • 2007: Houston Dynamo
  • 2008: Columbus Crew
  • 2009: Real Salt Lake
  • 2010: Colorado Rapids
  • 2011: Los Angeles Galaxy
  • 2012: Los Angeles Galaxy
  • 2013: Sporting Kansas City
  • 2014: Los Angeles Galaxy
  • 2015: Portland Timbers
  • 2016: Seattle Sounders
  • 2017: Toronto FC
  • 2018: Atlanta United
  • 2019: Seattle Sounders
  • 2020: Columbus Crew
  • 2021: New York City FC
  • 2022: Los Angeles FC
  • 2023: Columbus Crew
  • 2024: LA Galaxy
  • 2025: Inter Miami

Most successful clubs

  • LA Galaxy – 5 MLS Cups
  • D.C. United – 4 MLS Cups
  • Columbus Crew – 3 MLS Cups

Top scorers

  • Chris Wondolowski – 171 goals

Players such as Landon Donovan have also been among the league’s most influential figures.

Players of significance

Lionel Messi has had a major impact on MLS since joining Inter Miami CF, contributing to the club’s rise and increased global attention.

David Beckham played a key role in transforming MLS into a global destination during his time with LA Galaxy.

Zlatan Ibrahimović brought global attention and strong individual performances during his spell in MLS.

Thierry Henry contributed to the league’s growth during his time with New York Red Bulls.

Gareth Bale played a role in Los Angeles FC’s MLS Cup success.

Kaká was one of the early marquee signings who helped elevate MLS visibility.

US international icons like Tim Howard and Landon Donovan played significant roles in expanding the brand in North America with established careers in European football and dominant spells in the MLS.

Managers of significance

Bruce Arena is one of the most successful managers in MLS history.

Sigi Schmid played a key role in shaping successful teams across different eras.

Records and milestones

  • First MLS season: 1996
  • Most successful club: LA Galaxy (5 titles)
  • All-time top scorer: Chris Wondolowski – 171 goals
  • Continued expansion across North America

Why MLS matters

MLS has become a key part of global football growth, particularly in North America.

The league continues to attract international talent while developing domestic players.

Its expansion and increasing competitiveness have strengthened its global position.