Major League Soccer

·21 July 2026

By J. Sam Jones

The FIFA World Cup break has ended, which means the Power Rankings are back as well. Admit it, you missed them.

As always, these Power Rankings are determined by votes from around 15 contributors associated with MLSsoccer.com. The writer doesn’t set the rankings directly, though he does admit to enjoying the occasional opportunity to move your favourite team down a few spots.

Nashville SC resumed their campaign just as they had paused it. Despite being outplayed for most of the match by Atlanta United last Friday, they managed to grind out a 1-0 victory thanks to a late header from Shakur Mohammed. Even when their star players aren’t at their best, Nashville always seem to find a way to win.

With 19 matches still to play, Nashville are on track for a potential league-record 81 points this regular season.

Previous: 1-0 win vs. ATL | Next: 7/22 vs. MTL

The Vancouver Whitecaps lead the Western Conference with exceptional underlying metrics—among the best ever recorded. There’s little reason to think they won’t continue their dominant form.

Previous: at CHI, PPD | Next: 7/22 at CIN

Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul narrowly missed repeating their World Cup triumph with Argentina. They’ll now refocus on club football, joining a team still chasing consecutive Supporters’ Shields, Leagues Cup, and MLS Cup titles. Inter Miami CF are reportedly set for a major reinforcement with the arrival of Casemiro, the 34-year-old Brazilian midfielder coming off his most productive attacking season to date.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. CHI

The San Jose Earthquakes endured a tough spell toward the end of the first half of the season but managed to stay competitive in the Supporters’ Shield race despite several injuries. With Timo Werner nearing a return, they should remain in contention, though the loss of playmaker Niko Tsakiris will test their depth.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. ORL

Chicago Fire FC delayed the start of the Robert Lewandowski era slightly, but the Polish striker will officially debut on Wednesday in Miami. His signing is the club’s biggest ever, though it comes with some risk. Hugo Cuypers, their Golden Boot leader, is reportedly set to depart for CF Monterrey in Liga MX.

Previous: vs. VAN, PPD | Next: 7/22 at MIA

LAFC looked rejuvenated after the World Cup break, cruising to a 3-0 El Tráfico victory over LA Galaxy. Son Heung-Min scored his first goal of the season as the Black and Gold dominated throughout.

Previous: 3-0 win at LA | Next: 7/22 vs. RSL

Real Salt Lake’s summer window has been quiet so far apart from signing winger Saba Lobjanidze from Atlanta United. Zavier Gozo remains with the team, and RSL continue to be strong Western Conference contenders. A high-profile signing might still be forthcoming, but their current squad remains well balanced and talented.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 at LAFC

FC Dallas made a big move, sending up to $1 million in General Allocation Money to San Jose for goalkeeper Daniel. One of the league’s top shot-stoppers, Daniel should immediately strengthen a squad already led by World Cup goalscorer Petar Musa.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 at POR

New England Revolution quietly collected 25 points from 14 matches before the break, placing them fourth in the Eastern Conference. With Matt Turner continuing his stellar performances in goal, they’ll be aiming to stay among the top teams.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. TOR

Houston Dynamo made a notable move by acquiring striker Duncan McGuire from Orlando City for $1.25 million. They’ll hope he can bolster an attack that has managed just 19 goals in 14 games, even with Guilherme leading the line.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. DC

New York Red Bulls had a quiet break with no major transfers. Some of their young talents, like Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, likely spent the time dreaming about their potential World Cup futures in 2030.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 at PHI

Seattle Sounders are looking to rebound after a disappointing 5-1 loss to Portland. With upcoming matches against Austin and Philadelphia, they’ll hope to reset before facing their rivals again.

Previous: 5-1 loss vs. POR | Next: 7/22 at ATX

Charlotte FC added former Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin as their new Designated Player, replacing Wilfried Zaha whose loan expired. The Frenchman has signed through the 2028-29 season.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. ATL

FC Cincinnati spent the break addressing defensive weaknesses after conceding 37 goals in their first 15 matches—second worst in the East. Their focus will be on tightening up at the back as play resumes.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. VAN

LA Galaxy were outclassed in El Tráfico, managing just two shots on target in a 3-0 defeat. The loss of Gabriel Pec to Cruzeiro for a potential $13.5 million fee leaves a major gap to fill, though a big signing is likely on the horizon.

Previous: 3-0 loss vs. LAFC | Next: 7/22 vs. STL

Minnesota United will look to start strong against Sporting Kansas City midweek before facing Vancouver. A solid run could lift them from mid-table in the West.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 at SKC

St. Louis City SC resumed action with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Sporting KC, holding on despite losing a 2-0 lead. They’ve quietly gone unbeaten in five matches, taking 13 of 15 points, including a statement win over LAFC.

Previous: 3-2 win vs. SKC | Next: 7/22 at LA

New York City FC introduced new Designated Player Bénie Traoré from FC Basel. The Ivorian winger, who scored 25 goals in 80 appearances, brings attacking flair and high potential to an already strong offensive unit.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 at CLB

Portland Timbers have officially appointed Martí Cifuentes as their new manager, succeeding interim boss Jack Cassidy, who departs on a high after a stunning 5-1 win over Seattle. Cassidy’s brief reign will be fondly remembered by fans.

Previous: 5-1 win at SEA | Next: 7/22 vs. DAL

Columbus Crew have reshaped their roster significantly. Interim manager Laurent Courtois used the break to implement his ideas while the club transferred out Diego Rossi and brought in Brais Méndez from Real Sociedad. They also added Eric Bailly, Lautaro Giaccone, and veteran MLS defender Brooks Lennon.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. NYC

San Diego FC acquired Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Pirani from D.C. United for up to $1 million in GAM. They’re also close to signing Tunisian international Elias Achouri from FC Copenhagen, who could form an exciting partnership with Anders Dreyer.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 at COL

D.C. United responded to Pirani’s departure by signing forward Nathan Ordaz from LAFC for up to $2.875 million. The young striker now has a chance to revitalise his career alongside Tai Baribo and Louis Munteanu.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 at HOU

Colorado Rapids struggled before the break, winning just once in eight matches after a 6-2 triumph over Houston. Injuries continue to plague them, with goalkeeper Zack Steffen sidelined long-term following shoulder surgery.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. SD

CF Montréal strengthened their midfield by acquiring Dani Pereira from Austin FC earlier this month. While the move improves their squad, they’ll need more consistency to make a serious playoff push.

Previous: 0-0 draw vs. TOR | Next: 7/22 at NSH

Orlando City are set to unleash Antoine Griezmann, who is expected to debut against San Jose. His arrival, combined with Daryl Dike’s return, dramatically boosts their attacking quality. However, defensive frailties remain a concern after conceding 44 goals in their first 15 matches.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 at SJ

Toronto FC benefited from the break to recover from injuries and now sit just outside the playoff line. Staying healthy will be crucial to their postseason hopes.

Previous: 0-0 draw at MTL | Next: 7/22 at NE

Austin FC won the race to hire former Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin. Though he won’t officially take over until after the season, his appointment marks a major coup for the club.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. SEA

Sporting Kansas City continue to aim high in the transfer market, reportedly exploring the possibility of signing former Liverpool winger Mo Salah—years after being linked with Cristiano Ronaldo. Even if such a marquee move doesn’t materialise this window, a new Designated Player attacker is expected soon.

Previous: 3-2 loss at STL | Next: 7/22 vs. MIN

Atlanta United showed promise in their 1-0 loss to Nashville but failed to convert chances. As coach Tata Martino noted, “We’d be a great side if we didn’t have to play in either 18-yard box.” The addition of new centre-backs Júnior Alonso and Paulo Díaz should help stabilise their defence.

Previous: 1-0 loss at NSH | Next: 7/22 at CLT

Philadelphia Union’s first half was disappointing, but the return of Quinn Sullivan from injury and the signing of left-back Kai Wagner on a DP deal offer hope for improvement.

Previous: Bye | Next: 7/22 vs. RBNY