The 2026 MLS season is officially on pause. The league played its final week of games on May 23 and 24, and won't resume play until mid-July, taking a break for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Here at SixOneFive Soccer, we're diving into the power rankings using a special data-based model. Let's see what the data thinks of your favorite club!
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 15 Power Rankings
No change in the top three. Despite leading the Supporters' Shield, Nashville SC remain in third place, behind Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes. Their on-field results have been superior, but their underlying numbers are a step down from the two Western Conference teams. Nashville are significantly overperforming their expected goal differential – +20 goal difference compared to just +2.6 xGD. They also have the easiest strength of schedule of any of the four teams the OPI model has labeled "elite".
LA Galaxy are a surprise push into the top 10, with just two wins from their last five games. They have the fourth-best G+ score in MLS, as well as the sixth-best xGD in the league. These give them a lot of credibility in the OPI model.
Weekly winner
FC Cincinnati jumped five spots and increased their OPI by 3.97 points after a 6-2 win over Orlando City. They're still middle of the pack in the rankings, in 15th place overall, but their attacking form has them trending up heading into the break.
Weekly loser
San Diego FC dropped six points and saw their OPI decrease by 3.32 after a 4-2 loss to the 'Caps. They're outside of the playoff places in the Western Conference, with a lot of work to do over the summer break. They've come back down to earth drastically after their stellar expansion season.
Come back next week for another breakdown, and check in with our Power Rankings app for live updates.
