The 2026 MLS season is in full swing, and we're starting to see the league separate itself into tiers.
These tiers aren't super defined or set in stone yet. I think we have three or four truly elite teams, a bunch of aggressively mid teams, and three or four genuine stinkers.
The OPI model
Our power rankings are solely created by a data-based model we've pretentiously labeled "the Overall Performance Index" (OPI). This new model includes the same factors as the prior edition (points per game, strength of schedule, goal difference, and expected goal difference), while adding several other factors to provide a more rounded picture.
Ben Wright
We've built a really cool Power Rankings app that updates in real time and lets you explore the data. It also has an in-depth explainer of the methodology we use. We're continuing to build out some of the coolest interactive data apps in independent soccer media, and we hope you'll follow along with us!
Matchday 10 Power Rankings
Vancouver Whitecaps, San Jose Earthquakes, and Nashville SC continue to run the top of the table. They're all three on unreal form, and have built up a pretty significant cushion.
Seattle Sounders push past Los Angeles FC with a a 2-1 win over FC Dallas. They've played the sixth-toughest schedule in the league, and have maintained impressive underlying numbers.
Weekly winner
Chicago Fire are this week's big winners, jumping up five spots with a dominant 5-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City. The Fire saw their OPI score increase by almost six full points, and they've put up some of the best Goals Added numbers in the league. They've played the second-easiest schedule in the league so far, which is holding their OPI down slightly. If they're able to keep up these performances when the schedule gets tougher, they're in great shape.
Weekly loser
Sporting KC technically had the biggest OPI drop, losing 4.77 points and sitting firmly in the negative. They drop from 29th to 30th, which is... whatever.
New York Red Bulls, though, drop four spots after a 2-0 loss to FC Cincinnati. After their impressive start to the season, they've won just once in their last five matches and have seen their underlying numbers plummet.
There are obviously going to be growing pains for a first-time head coach and a roster built around so many young players. It's going to be an up-and-down season in New Jersey, but the last several weeks have been steadily down.
Come back next week for another breakdown, and check in with our Power Rankings app for live updates.
