With the FIFA World Cup coming to North America in 2026 interest in soccer is at an all-time high. Major League Soccer seeks to take advantage of the increased notoriety with its 31st season set to get underway the weekend of February 21. Fans and bettors can get a first-hand look at some of the players that will shape the World Cup and also aid their respective MLS teams in a run to the league championship. Led by Lionel Messi, Inter Miami CF goes for a repeat of the MLS Cup in 2026.
MLS Season Start Schedule & Must-Watch Opening Matchups
The 2026 MLS season start schedule is the weekend of February 21-22 with all 30 teams taking the pitch. A total of 13 matches are scheduled for Saturday with the remaining four teams dueling on Sunday. The most anticipated of the MLS opening matches is between defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami and Los Angeles FC on Saturday. The contest will be played at the LA Coliseum to accommodate the massive crowd.
Inter Miami will draw attention from fans and bettors due to the presence of Lionel Messi, who is considered one of the best players in the history of the sport. Messi scored 29 goals in 28 appearances last season for Inter Miami.
MLS Opening Weekend Odds & Early Line Movement
There are always unknowns entering the first game of a season. Past success doesn’t always lead to future victories. Early betting markets are based on results from a season ago which is why Inter Miami is listed as the MLS futures favorite.
MLS opening weekend odds are posted, though odds will fluctuate before kickoff. Sharp bettors can take advantage of early betting markets with the help of this trusted guide. Injuries are the biggest factor impacting match odds and with the MLS season set to get underway the timing is off for Miami. Messi is dealing with a hamstring injury and will practice time ahead of the opening match with LAFC.
MLS Early Season Predictions for Contenders & Sleepers
There are always unknowns at the start of a season giving bettors a chance at cashing their wagers. And surprisingly the betting market for soccer is extensive. The game is the most heavily bet in the world and the markets have adjusted. For more MLS betting options you are encouraged to read this helpful soccer betting guide prior to the start of the MLS season.
As defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami will have a target on its back all season. They didn’t win the Eastern Conference finishing a point behind Philadelphia and tied with FC Cincinnati, but Miami could make a case as being the best.
Favorites Expected to Start Fast
- Inter Miami – Being the hunted will definitely keep Messi and Co. on their toes with every opponent looking to knock off the champs.
- Los Angeles FC – One of 6 teams to record at least 60 points last season, LAFC has been consistently good, finishing among the top 3 in the Western Conference in each of the last 4 seasons with a MLS Cup in 2022. Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga lead a powerful attack.
- Vancouver – Dealing with all kinds of personnel interruptions last season didn’t deter the Whitecaps from finishing with the same number of points as San Diego atop the West standings last season. They had the best goal differential in the MLS and lost to Miami in the MLS Cup final.
Underrated Teams Offering Early Value
- Philadelphia – Bounced back from a disastrous 2024 season to finish first in the East a season ago. Outside of the ’24 campaign Philly’s been a consistent threat but doesn’t get the recognition behind other teams with elite players.
- LA Galaxy – Going from first to almost worst should revitalize the Galaxy. MLS Cup winners in 2024, the club didn’t reach the playoffs last season finishing ahead of only Sporting KC in the West. The return of star playmaker Riqui Puig along with several key additions will bolster the attack.
- Chicago – Last season the Fire ended a lengthy playoff drought and won more than 10 games for the first time since 2017. They have a strong core of young players and targeted signings should help the backend allowing the club to continue the momentum.
Key Players Influencing MLS Early Season Predictions
- Lionel Messi – This one is obvious with the team with the best player having the shortest odds to win the 2026 MLS Cup. Considered one of the best ever, Messi didn’t disappoint last season scoring a MLS high 29 goals.
- Denis Bouanga – The former Golden Boot winner being teamed with Son Heung-Min gives LAFC one of the most dangerous attacking pairs in MLS putting the club near the top of the odds board. Bouanga was 2nd to Messi with 24 goals a season ago.
- Anders Dreyer – San Diego FC doesn’t win the West and advance to the conference finals without the play of Dreyer. The 2025 Newcomer of the Year helped the expansion club win 19 matches scoring 19 goals with 19 assists. He added 4 goals in the club’s playoff run.
Smart MLS Week 1 Betting Angles to Consider
It doesn’t always happen but teams going through a roster transition tend to struggle early in the year. Philadelphia is one club in that category with All MLS defenders Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner playing elsewhere. Also, leading goal scorer Tai Baribo was traded in the offseason. It would be wise to fade Philly and other clubs with a lot of turnover until the newcomers can prove themselves.
It’s hard to play matches while you’re trying to play matches. Nine MLS teams qualified for the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, which runs parallel to the MLS season putting additional stress on the roster. Some teams might adjust lineups for the opening MLS matches leaving them vulnerable.
Miami is more than just Messi, but let’s face it they are overvalued due to his presence. Messi is turning 39 and played a lot of soccer leading up to the World Cup. And the bigger picture will likely lead to some slip ups early in the season.
Where to Bet on MLS Opening Matches
Due to its world wide appeal soccer has a robust betting market. And Prime Sportsbook is just the place to handle all your soccer betting needs. Prime has an extensive menu specifically for soccer with competitive MLS first game odds and futures. Live betting has become a popular option and is available at Prime during MLS opening matches. Make your wager on MLS opening matches at Prime Sportsbook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically in February, but the league is planning to align its schedule with the world’s top soccer leagues bringing a summer to spring schedule starting in 2027.
