Why Los Angeles FC are favourites to win the 2026 MLS Cup

Los Angeles FC (LAFC) when into the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season as one of the bookmakers’ favourites to win the title.

Reigning champions Inter Miami were rated as their main rivals, and the early results suggest the pair will be strong contenders this season.

While Miami star Lionel Messi is on a mission to impress in a World Cup year, LAFC could be the value bet to emerge victorious.

With that in mind, read on as we look at the latest outright betting for the MLS Cup, before assessing LAFC’s chances of knocking Miami off their perch.

MLS Cup 2026 – Outright odds

• Inter Miami – 4/1
• Los Angeles FC – 5/1
• Vancouver Whitecaps – 9/1
• San Diego FC – 12/1
• FC Cincinnati – 14/1
• Columbus Crew – 16/1
• Seattle Sounders – 16/1
• New York City FC – 18/1
• LA Galaxy – 20/1
• Philadelphia Union – 20/1
• New York Red Bulls – 25/1
• Nashville SC – 25/1
• Charlotte FC – 33/1
• Chicago Fire – 33/1
• Orlando City – 33/1
• Minnesota United – 33/1
• Houston Dynamo – 40/1
• Real Salt Lake – 40/1
• Austin FC – 50/1
• Portland Timbers – 50/1
• Colorado Rapids – 50/1
• FC Dallas – 50/1
• San Jose Earthquakes – 50/1
• Toronto FC – 50/1
• Atlanta United – 50/1
• DC United – 66/1
• CF Montreal – 66/1
• New England Revolution – 66/1
• Sporting Kansas City – 80/1
• St Louis City SC – 80/1

LAFC on a mission to reclaim their crown

LAFC reached the Western Conference play-off semi-finals last season, but were eliminated by Vancouver Whitecaps after a penalty shoot-out.

However, the 2022 MLS champions have shown no signs of suffering a hangover from that defeat during the early part of the new campaign.

They have defeated Miami, Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas without conceding a goal to move up to third place in the Western Conference.

LAFC’s 3-0 victory over Miami in their opening game was undoubtedly the most eye-catching result of the season to date.

While the performance had fans waxing lyrical about their chances of winning the MLS Cup, head coach Marc Dos Santos has tried to keep a lid on expectations.

“It’s early,” Dos Santos said. “We went through February in a positive way, but our feet are on the ground, and we are staying very humble.

“We are not getting ahead of ourselves in any way. We don’t take winning for granted. We know that when we have the opportunity to get the win and to get points, we have to take them.

“We have to keep punching. The season is like a long boxing match. Sometimes there are rounds where you are in front, and others where the opponents might punch you more.

“You need to stay on your feet – you need to keep punching. We are taking it game by game. We are aware every game has its history and challenges, and that’s how we want be throughout the year.”

Off-field moves boost LAFC’s title hopes

While Dos Santos has overseen a stellar start to the 2026 season, the club’s ownership group has also been making moves off the field.

LAFC have confirmed that Carlos Vela has made the transition from former player to co-owner, further strengthening a structure which already boasts vast experience.

Vela was the first player to sign for LAFC ahead of their inaugural 2018 season. He became their all-time leader in MLS games played (152), goals (78) and assists (42).

His league record 34 goals in 2019 cemented his legacy as an LAFC icon and he will now have the chance to give something back to a club which is close to his heart.

“LAFC has always been more than a club to me – it is home,” Vela told the club’s official website.

“From the first day, we set out to build something special for Los Angeles, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together.

“Becoming an owner is an honour and a responsibility I take seriously. I’m excited to continue supporting the club, our players, and our fans as we keep building for the future.”

Vela’s track record of success in MLS, headlined by helping the club win the 2022 title, makes him the ideal man to join the leadership group.

He will recognise that LAFC potentially have an edge over Miami this season given how hard it is to win back-to-back MLS titles.

DC United (1996 & 1997), Houston (2006 & 2007) and Los Angeles Galaxy (2011 & 2012) are the only teams who have previously achieved the feat.

Preventing Miami from adding their name to the list would be a feather in LAFC’s cap and they are strongly fancied to get the job done.

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