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 8 Power Rankings
No changes this week in the top five. Vancouver Whitecaps crushed a horrendous Sporting Kansas City side. Real Salt Lake rolled over San Diego FC in an uber-impressive 4-2 win (San Diego dropped four spots as a result). San Jose Earthquakes made a statement on the road against LAFC with a 4-1 win, one that almost dropped LAFC down a spot (LAFC had built up enough margin through their first seven matches that the loss didn't impact their standings, but they're trending down).
Nashville SC completed one of the best weeks in recent memory. With leading scorer Sam Surridge injured, they won 2-1 at Charlotte FC last week, became the first-ever MLS team to win at the Azteca midweek, and beat Atlanta United 2-0 on the road. They're the top team in the East by nearly 10 points, and doing some pretty unprecedented things.
Charlotte push up three spots after an impressive road win against New York City FC, who were themselves a top-10 team last week. And Inter Miami finally break into the top 10 with a tight 3-2 win on the road against the Colorado Rapids, with Lionel Messi bagging a brace. The 'Pids were really, really solid – enough that they deserved some sort of result – but man, it's so, so tough to keep Messi quiet for 90 minutes.
CF Montréal get a break at the bottom with a dominant 4-1 win over New York Red Bulls, jumping two spots and increasing their OPI by nearly six points! The Red Bulls had the opposite effect, dropping five spots and officially entering the "sliding" category.
Atlanta United's loss to Nashville pushes them into the bottom three, joining Sporting Kansas City and Orlando City as the clear worst teams in MLS. For Orlando, they've lost six of seven matches in MLS and just dropped a stinker at home against Houston Dynamo. It's going to be a long, long season in the magic kingdom. Props to Óscar Pareja for getting out early.
Come back next week for another breakdown, and check in with our Power Rankings app for live updates.
