The threats to Inter Miami in the fight for the MLS

The race for the MLS Cup officially begins with a new Major League Soccer season. The defending champions, Inter Miami, start as favourites for the title, largely because of the way the Herons have strengthened their squad and the constant demands placed on the team by a figure of Lionel Messi’s stature.

Miami’s mission is clear. The side led by Javier Mascherano will aim to replicate last season’s success, although with one significant difference: two key pillars of the team, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, are no longer part of the squad.

Even so, Inter Miami have responded well to those departures. According to Mascherano, the club has built a squad capable of competing in every competition they enter this season, placing them firmly among the leading title contenders.

The road will not be easy, however. The Herons will face numerous teams determined to dethrone them and prevent the coveted back to back championship that Inter Miami are chasing.

The rivals Inter Miami will face in their MLS Cup run

While Inter Miami may be the main favourites to win the MLS title in 2026, at least six other teams have the quality and on field strengths to threaten Messi and company.

Eastern Conference

Atlanta United

The Five Stripes have a familiar face back on the bench in Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. He knows Inter Miami’s structure and philosophy well, and if he can assemble a competitive squad similar to the one he led to the 2018 league title, Atlanta United could become a serious conference rival.

Columbus Crew

After a difficult 2025 season following Wilfried Nancy’s departure, Columbus Crew enter this campaign eager to bounce back. Now led by Henrik Rydström and featuring players such as Dániel Gazdag, Diego Rossi and recent signing André Gomes, the team will aim to compete for the top spot in the Eastern Conference and challenge for the Supporters’ Shield.

Cincinnati

With Pat Noonan back at the helm, Cincinnati will look to cause Inter Miami the same problems they did last season. Players like Evander and Kevin Denkey will once again be expected to lead the Orange’s attack as they push for first place in the East.

Western Conference

LAFC

LAFC may be considered the biggest threat to Inter Miami. This week’s MLS is Back Tournament opener has been viewed by many as a potential preview of the MLS Cup final. Heung Min Son and Denis Bouanga form a formidable attacking partnership and make LAFC one of the strongest contenders in the West.

Vancouver Whitecaps

Thomas Müller arrives motivated after last December’s MLS Cup defeat to Messi and company. The Whitecaps will aim to build on last season’s strong run, competing on multiple fronts. Led by a World Cup winner in Müller, they will look to take the next step in both MLS and Concacaf competitions.

San Diego FC

San Diego FC, the breakout team of 2025, enter their second season looking to consolidate their project. Although Hirving Lozano is no longer part of the squad following Mikey Varas’ decision, the border side still have Anders Dreyer, one of MLS’s top performers, who is capable of making the difference and pushing SDFC into contention for major honours.