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The 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is back in full swing after a break for the FIFA World Cup, and the resumption promises to deliver plenty of drama and excitement for fans across North America.

Rivalries have already taken centre stage, beginning with Portland Timbers’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field last Thursday evening. The following day saw Nashville secure a narrow 1-0 win against Atlanta United in a southern clash, while Los Angeles FC comfortably defeated LA Galaxy 3-0 in the latest El Tráfico showdown.

With crucial contests already unfolding, here’s a look at the major storylines to keep an eye on as the 2026 campaign progresses.

The race for the MLS Most Valuable Player award is expected to be fiercely debated at the end of the regular season, and although his name has dominated headlines all summer, Lionel Messi remains the clear favourite. Despite his advancing years, the Inter Miami captain continues to demonstrate remarkable consistency in South Florida. Messi leads the league in shots (85) and shots on target (36), while ranking among the top five in goals (2nd; 12), assists (tied-2nd; 8), and key passes (2nd; 43).

Other notable contenders for the MVP accolade include San Diego’s Anders Dreyer, LAFC’s Son Heung-min, Nashville’s midfield general Cristian Espinoza, and San Jose’s top scorer Preston Judd.

The Golden Boot race is equally captivating. Current top scorer Hugo Cuypers (13 goals) seems set for a transfer to Liga MX side CF Monterrey, and should that move materialise, several players are ready to challenge for his crown. Messi and Dallas striker Petar Musa are close behind with 12 goals each. Further down the list, Orlando City’s Martín Ojeda, San Jose’s Preston Judd, and San Diego’s Marcus Ingvartsen all have 11 goals, while NYCFC’s Nicolas Fernández and Vancouver’s Brian White sit on 10.

The influx of international stars into MLS continued this summer, much to the delight of supporters. Legendary striker Robert Lewandowski has joined Chicago Fire, a fitting move for a city with deep Polish roots. Manager Gregg Berhalter could look to the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund forward as a replacement for the departing Cuypers.

In Florida, Orlando City added French forward Antoine Griezmann, further intensifying their rivalry with Inter Miami. Griezmann and Messi, once teammates, faced each other for nine seasons in La Liga, and their reunion on American soil adds a fascinating subplot.

Meanwhile, Charlotte FC replaced Wilfried Zaha with French winger Allan Saint-Maximin, who brings valuable experience from Europe’s top leagues and a recent spell with Club América in Liga MX. His arrival is expected to strengthen Charlotte’s attacking depth following Zaha’s departure.

Fans won’t have to wait long to see these stars in action. Key fixtures on July 22 include Inter Miami vs. Chicago Fire at 7:30 pm ET, Charlotte FC vs. Atlanta United at 8:15 pm ET, and San Jose vs. Orlando City at 10:30 pm ET, all available live on Apple TV.

Another headline story involves the return of familiar faces to MLS. Philadelphia Union’s long-serving left-back Kai Wagner has rejoined the club after a stint with Birmingham City in the English Championship, where he featured 16 times and contributed three assists. With Philadelphia currently bottom of the Eastern Conference, Wagner’s comeback could be vital in reigniting their playoff hopes along the Delaware River. Fans can watch his return when the Union face New York Red Bulls on July 22 at 7:30 pm ET.

Down in Orlando, the Lions have welcomed back striker Daryl Dike, the club’s fifth overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. Now 26, Dike previously netted 18 goals in 35 matches before spells with Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion in the English Championship. His return is expected to bolster Orlando’s push for a post-season berth.

Philadelphia’s struggles have been one of the season’s biggest shocks. Once a dominant force and home to one of the nation’s best academies, the Union now find themselves at the bottom of the East just a year after lifting the Supporters’ Shield — a scenario few supporters in Pennsylvania could have imagined.

Similarly, San Diego FC are facing a difficult second season after a stunning debut campaign in 2025, when they topped the Western Conference. Despite goalkeeper CJ dos Santos returning from a heroic World Cup with Cabo Verde, the club must rediscover their rhythm quickly if they hope to secure another playoff appearance.

With the season’s second half underway, the coming months promise plenty of twists, star performances, and high-stakes football across the United States and Canada.