MLS Eastern Conference Predictions
Vancouver Whitecaps stadium during their Western Conference Final clash with San Diego FC (Photo: Acaead/Wikipedia).
As we get nearer and nearer to the start of the 2026 MLS Regular Season, predictions are necessary. This season is shaping up to be historic, with the World Cup in the United States and Canada in the summer, eyes will be on the MLS. With big moves made throughout the league, this season could be a good one.
The offseason in the East has been an interesting one, where lots of clubs have made big money moves for big names. Miami continued on their player signing trend and brought in David Ayala from Portland along with former Premier League star Sergio Reguilon. Nashville brought in proven MLS name Cristian Espinoza and Toronto signed MLS veteran Walker Zimmerman. These are just a few examples of the moves that MLS clubs made this offseason, giving us a good idea of just how competitive the MLS Eastern Conference might be this season.
To give a bit of insight on how the predictions will go, we will predict the final table for both of the MLS conferences from 15th to 1st. The criteria for the predictions will be as follows: performance in the 2025 season, offseason signings and offseason managerial decisions or changes.
In 15th, we've gone for CF Montréal. With few offseason moves, a struggling ownership group, and a frustrated fanbase, we don't foresee the situation in Montréal improving too much, therefore we've gone for a rock bottom finish for the Blues in the East. Montréal had some key departures in 2025, including young winger Dante Sealy who made his way to the Colorado Rapids, and captain Joel Waterman, who made his way to Eastern Conference rival, the Chicago Fire.
In 14th, we've decided on Atlanta United. Even with the re-hiring of manager Tata Martino after his success in Miami, we don't particularly see Atlanta being a powerhouse like the past. After spending the most money of any MLS club in the 2025 offseason and finishing second bottom of the Eastern Conference in 2025 fans were frustrated. Attendance for the ATL was at an all-time low and this resulted in a lack of confidence in the team, we foresee this lack of confidence continuing in 2026, therefore we've predicted ATL UTD in 14th.
For 13th in the East, we've predicted Orlando City SC. After a 4th place finish in 2024, and a fall to 9th in 2025, we've predicted Orlando to continue on their downward trend for 2026. After the exit of Orlando legend goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and the exit of striker Luis Muriel, we have a feeling that the lack of firepower in Orlando will backfire. Orlando struggled to score goals in 2025, and without Luis Muriel, that problem will only worsen, therefore the Lions finish in 13th.
In 12th, we've gone for the New England Revolution. Although the Revs have made more offseason changes than others, bringing in new Head Coach Marko Mitrović and striker Dor Turgeman who made his debut at the end of 2025, we don't foresee the Revs having too much success in 2026. With the Revs being Mitrović's first senior head coaching job, we foresee a struggle that is too difficult to overcome for the Revs in '26.
In 11th, D.C. United. The team from the capital struggled heavily in 2025. Bringing in multiple different managers and not a whole lot of new firepower. They've had a decent offseason this winter, bringing in MLS vet goalkeeper Sean Johnson, and the Philadelphia Union's 2025 top goalscorer Tai Baribo. DC will look to significantly better themselves from their rock bottom finish in 2025, but we can't foresee them making the playoffs any time soon.
In 10th, we've gone for Red Bull New York. After a firing of Head Coach Sandro Schwarz at the end of the 2025 season and a lack of big name signings, as well as continued failure to announce a new head coach as of late, the Red Bulls will continue their struggle from 2025 into 2026.
In 9th, Toronto FC. Toronto have made some moves this offseason, definitely more than usual. After bringing in MLS veteran center-back Walker Zimmerman, the Reds have been linked with proven American striker Josh Sargent. Toronto have struggled heavily over the last few seasons and we foresee this struggle continuing into '26. Although, if they can get the $18 Million move done for Sargent, it could send them surging towards the playoffs.
In the first playoff spot in the East, we've gone for Chicago. The Fire have made some promising signings over the offseason and towards the end of the 2025 season, bringing in two MLS vets in Robin Lod from Minnesota United and Joel Waterman from CF Montréal. Even with these promising additions to the squad, we foresee the Fire facing a bit of a challenge in 2026, especially with the departure of starboy midfielder Brian Gutierrez.
In the second Wild Card spot, we've gone for Charlotte FC. After a successful 2025 season, we foresee the Queen City having a mountain to climb in 2026. The squad is the first problem, an aging and injury prone Wilfried Zaha and a promising but yet to be MLS proven Pep Biel will force Charlotte into a difficult spot this season. The signing of U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Luca de la Torre is promising, and could lead to some success for Charlotte in 2026.
In 6th, we've gone for New York City FC. After a relatively successful 2025 season which saw the Pigeons finish 4th in the East, NYC made few offseason changes. Without making any new signings and the departure of a starter in Justin Haak, we foresee NYC finishing in the playoffs, but having to face the 2 seed in their Round 1, Best of 3 matchup.
In 5th, we've predicted the Philadelphia Union. After an offseason departure of star striker Tai Baribo, we foresee the Union facing a massive challenge in 2026 compared to '25. The Union were a formidable opponent in 2025 after winning the Supporters' Shield. Tai Baribo was a big part of their triumph and just missed out on the Golden Boot to Inter Miami's Lionel Messi. The Union will need to find a replacement for the Israeli star, or will struggle in 2026.
In 4th, we've gone for the Columbus Crew. The Crew had a decent season in 2025 given the circumstances, and they'll look to continue on that trend in '26. After a 7th place finish on the final day of the season in 2025, The Crew will look to use that momentum, and a full season of star striker Wessam Abou Ali, to better their finish from '25.
In 3rd spot, we've predicted Nashville SC. Nashville were a formidable opponent in 2025, and just fell short against Inter Miami in the playoffs. After a huge intraleague pickup in Cristian Espinoza, Nashville's front three will be a nightmare for defenses across the league in 2026. We've predicted them to finish two spots ahead of where they ended the season in '25, in a podium finish in the East.
For runner up in the East, we've gone for FC Cincinnati. The Orange and Blue had a mildly (from our definitely completely unbiased opinions) successful 2025 season. The regular season couldn't have gone better for FCC, but they fell relatively short in the playoffs, as they got mauled by Inter Miami at home in the Conference Semis. FCC will look to use their firepower in Evander and Kevin Denkey again this season to find themselves in the top three in the Eastern Conference.
Finally, finishing 1st in the East, we have the reigning MLS Cup Champions, Inter Miami CF. Even though two week in, week out starters have retired in Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, The Herons brought in proven Premier League player Sergio Reguilon on top of multiple intraleague signings to better their squad in addition to Lionel Messi. Miami will for sure be the favorites to go back to back in 2026.
Inter Miami players celebrating after their goal in MLS Cup 2025 (Photo: Inter Miami CF).
In the end, the MLS Eastern Conference season is shaping up to be a good one. With new promising signings from abroad and big intraleague moves, the MLS is making waves with its publicity, and will only continue to grow in 2026.