MLS Preseason Power Rankings: Inter Miami leads projections, San Diego intrigue, and contenders take shape

Preseason power rankings live at the intersection of last season’s performance, roster continuity, and market expectation — especially without early results or short-term variance.

Our MLS Preseason Power Rankings blend Vegas title odds, 2025 season-level strength, and late-season momentum to estimate where teams enter the new campaign. A limited editorial vote is used only to adjust for context and nuance that the numbers can’t fully capture.

Here’s how the league stacks up heading into the season.

1️⃣ Inter Miami CF (Projection Score: 56.65)

Inter Miami opens the season atop the model thanks to a rare alignment between market confidence and proven attacking output.

Vegas installs Miami as the preseason favorite (+400), and last year’s data explains why: Inter showed elite chance creation, fueled by overwhelming star power, and the league’s most dangerous attacking ceiling.

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Lionel Messi remains the central force shaping the projection, capable of tilting games and seasons alike. The team also has Rodrigo de Paul and several other offseason acquisitions, despite seeing Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retire after last year's title run. Defensive fragility still caps the floor, but no team enters the year with a higher upside — or more belief priced into the market.

2️⃣ San Diego FC (Projection Score: 53.49)

San Diego’s high preseason ranking reflects belief in its structure, even after just its inaugural season. While their expansion status tempers public expectation, the model rewards continuity, tactical clarity, which they will keep under coach Mike Varas, and competitive performances down the stretch from DP Andres Dreyer. Vegas keeps its title odds long, but internal indicators suggest a team built to compete immediately rather than survive in the crowded Western Conference.

3️⃣ FC Cincinnati (Projection Score: 53.46)

Cincinnati’s preseason profile is defined by efficiency. Strong point accumulation last season, combined with reliable late-game control, keeps them firmly in the top tier despite more cautious underlying metrics. The market remains skeptical (+1400) given the failures to break through in past seasons, but the model sees a team that understands how to manage matches and extract value from key moments. Cincinnati may not dominate stylistically, but they enter the year positioned to contend at the top of the East again.

4️⃣ Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Projection Score: 52.41)

The runner-ups of 2025, the Vancouver project, is one of MLS’s most balanced sides entering the season. Their placement reflects consistency across metrics rather than extreme strengths or weaknesses. Losing players like Ali Ahmed will hurt, but with Thomas Müller still playing at a high level, the Western Conference champs are still one of the strongest sides in MLS. Defensive organization, controlled buildup, and sustainable chance creation make the Whitecaps a reliable preseason bet to remain competitive deep into the calendar. They may not headline the title conversation (yet), but the model views Vancouver as a team with a stable floor and legitimate upside.

5️⃣ Philadelphia Union (Projection Score: 52.17)

Philadelphia’s preseason ranking mirrors a familiar identity: structure, discipline, and repeatability. While their late-season goal differential flattened, the Union remains one of the league’s most system-reliant teams. Vegas prices them as outsiders (+1400), but the model continues to respect their ability to accumulate points over long stretches, especially at Subaru Park. If attacking efficiency rebounds, Philadelphia could outperform its market position once again. Dealing Tai Baribo may make this difficult, but it's worth seeing if Cavan Sullivan will have the breakthrough season everyone expects him to have.

6️⃣ Los Angeles FC (Projection Score: 49.90)

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LAFC begins the season just outside the top five, a reflection of transition rather than decline. The market still believes in its ceiling (+550), but recent performances and a coaching change suggest the team will need to rediscover its rhythm after offseason structural changes. And they may not be done dealing players as Fluminense is pushing hard to sign Denis Bouanga, the club's main goal threat. Defensive solidity improved late last year with the arrival of centerback Ryan Porteous, but attacking chemistry between Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga remains the swing factor. LAFC’s projection hinges on continuity — if it arrives early, they’ll climb quickly.

7️⃣ Chicago Fire FC (Projection Score: 45.81)

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Chicago’s preseason placement reflects cautious optimism. Late-season momentum and improved attacking output lifted their internal numbers, even if expectations remain tempered.

Under Gregg Berhalter, the Fire enters the year as a team capable of disrupting stronger opponents but still searching for sustained identity. Progress is evident, but the projection remains conservative until consistency follows.

8️⃣ Minnesota United FC (Projection Score: 45.67)

The Minnesota project is steady, if unspectacular. They lost a young coach in Eric Ramsay and tensions in the City, allegedly making it difficult for the front office to convince players to play there. Nonetheless, their preseason profile suggests a team unlikely to collapse but still searching for a defining edge. Balanced results and structural discipline keep them competitive, though attacking limitations cap upside.

Minnesota enters the year as a playoff-caliber side needing sharper differentiation to move higher.

9️⃣ Charlotte FC (Projection Score: 44.54)

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Charlotte’s preseason ranking reflects volatility. Strong stretches last year were often followed by regression, leaving the model cautious despite visible growth. The pieces are improving, and the trajectory is positive, but the projection still prices in inconsistency — particularly away from home. Charlotte remains a team to monitor rather than trust outright.

🔟 Seattle Sounders FC (Projection Score: 42.39)

(Photo by Yuriy Tsupruk/Pitchside US)

Seattle rounds out the top ten largely on institutional credibility. While last season’s numbers lag behind the league’s elite, the Sounders’ experience, roster stability, and historical resilience prevent a deeper drop. The market remains skeptical, but projections acknowledge Seattle’s ability to outperform expectations once rhythm returns.

These are preseason power rankings, built primarily on last season’s performance, Vegas title odds, and late-year momentum. Rankings are designed to project competitive strength entering the season — not to reflect early results or standings. Weekly updates will adjust as new data replaces the projection.