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 12 Power Rankings
No change in the top three. Vancouver Whitecaps, San Jose Earthquakes, and Nashville SC hold their place, and there's a five-and-a-half point gap between Nashville in third place and Seattle Sounders, who saw a slight 0.49 point increase to move into fourth. All three of the leaders actually saw their OPI score decrease slightly this week, with Vancouver and San Jose drawing each other, and Nashville drawing at home to DC United.
At the bottom, Sporting KC somehow find a way to reach new lows, losing 6-0 to Portland Timbers and dropping their OPI by more than four points. They're down to nearly negative nine points, on pace to be one of the worst teams in MLS history.
Weekly winner
For the second week in a row, the team who played Sporting KC had the largest OPI score, with Portland moving up by 5.27 points. Houston Dynamo had the biggest positioning increase, jumping up five spots after a dominant 4-1 win on the road over LAFC.
Weekly loser
And for the second week in a row, Sporting KC technically had the biggest OPI drop, losing 4.17 points. It feels like cheating to have them here every week.
Toronto FC had the biggest positioning decrease after a 4-2 loss to Inter Miami, dropping down four spots to 19th place.
Come back next week for another breakdown, and check in with our Power Rankings app for live updates.
