MLS Predictions: Rivalry Games Take Spotlight as Inter Miami Open New Stadium

The first international break of the 2026 MLS regular season is in the books, and 30 teams are set to return to league action on Saturday as the sprint towards the extended international break and the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues.

In the sixth full week of the regular season, the 15-match slate is highlighted by a Cascadia Cup clash between Vancouver Whitecaps and the Portland Timbers, while Inter Miami also debuts its new stadium—Nu Stadium—at home against Austin FC.

This weekend features all matches on Saturday, with a step back from Sunday action.

Here’s what Sports Illustrated predicts for the sixth week of MLS in 2026.

Toronto FC vs. Colorado Rapids
New England Revolution vs. CF Montréal
Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City
Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew
Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union
D.C. United vs. FC Dallas
Inter Miami vs. Austin FC
New York City FC vs. St. Louis CITY SC
Red Bull New York vs. FC Cincinnati
Chicago Fire FC vs. Nashville SC
Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders
LAFC vs. Orlando City
LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United
San Jose Earthquakes vs. San Diego FC
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Portland Timbers
MLS Predictions: Matchday 6

Toronto FC vs. Colorado Rapids

Djordje Mihailovic faces his former club as Toronto FC hosts the Colorado Rapids. | Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

Toronto FC has some wind back in its sails for the first time in years, riding a three-game unbeaten streak, with two wins in games against FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew.

Led by manager Robin Fraser, the Reds enter this week’s clash with the Colorado Rapids in strong form, while taking on the third game in nine-straight matches at home leading into the 2026 World Cup.

All eyes will be on U.S. midfielder Djordje Mihailovic in this one, as the Toronto Designated Player plays his first game against his former club, after joining the Canadian side on an $8 million transfer last summer. At the same time, marquee signing Josh Sargent seeks his first goal for the Reds.

Colorado heads north in strong form as well, with three wins from their last four matches, as they embrace a new season and manager, former Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach, Matt Wells.

Prediction: Toronto FC 3–1 Colorado Rapids

New England Revolution vs. CF Montréal

Luca Langoni has been an attacking catalyst for the New England Revolution this season. | Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

The New England Revolution saw a massive morale boost with a 6–1 win over FC Cincinnati two games ago, but have otherwise gotten off to a rough start to the season with three wins in four losses under Marko Mitrović. This weekend, they welcome a pesky CF Montréal side to Gillette Stadium, hoping to return to the win column.

Luca Langoni has been a standout contributor down the right side for the Revs, amassing four assists in as many games, while Dor Turgeman has a goal and an assist up top. At the back, goalkeeper Matt Turner returns from international duty with the USMNT, where he allowed five goals and made five saves in a 5–2 loss to Belgium.

The more intriguing side of the battle might be Montréal’s. Expected to finish at the bottom of the league, they beat Red Bull New York 3–0 three games ago and fell 4–3 to FC Cincinnati last time out. They have four losses in five, but with Prince Owusu and the recently signed Frankie Amaya, they could cause trouble.

Prediction: New England Revolution 1–1 CF Montréal

Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City

Zavier Gozo is leading Real Salt Lake in 2026. | Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT

Longtime MLS followers will know just how deep this rivalry clash goes.

From the frigid 2013 MLS Cup and Sporting Kansas City’s triumph with MLS legends Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi getting the better of Nick Rimando and Kyle Beckerman, to the 2011 preseason clash when a full-on brawl broke out between the two sides after Roger Espinoza’s tough challenge on Javier Morales, it’s been one of the best rivalries in MLS.

While the 2026 season is a far cry from the days of both clubs being prominent MLS contenders, it's still a feisty rivalry, with plenty of talent to offer. This weekend, it’s the youth of Real Salt Lake, headlined by teenagers Zavier Gozo and Aiden Hezarkhani, up against a rebuilding SKC side, still finding its footing, but relying on pragmatic goalscorer Dejan Joveljić up top.

Although RSL’s three-game win streak ended with a draw against San Diego FC ahead of the break, they should be able to get back to winning ways this weekend. If they do, does four wins in six games make them an outside contender for MLS Cup?

Prediction: Real Salt Lake 2–0 Sporting Kansas City

Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew

Miguel Almirón has rekindled his form with Atlanta United. | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Atlanta United has always had high standards, so the idea of being two games undefeated isn’t an achievement in the eyes of the club. Yet, for all the struggles they have faced over the last three seasons, an extended break from losing should be seen as a small step forward.

And while the front trio hasn’t hit the form they would have hoped for, each of Emmanuel Latte Lath, Alexey Miranchuk and Miguel Almirón has enjoyed bright spots over the last few games. Now, they host the Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the Crew looking to bounce back from a 2–1 loss to Toronto FC last time out.

While neither side has enjoyed much consistency, it will mark the third straight game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Columbus midfielder Max Arfsten, who returns to MLS play after international duty with the USMNT and losses to Belgium and Portugal in Atlanta.

Prediction: Atlanta United 2–2 D.C. United

Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union

Wilfried Zaha hopes to keep consistent form with Charlotte FC. | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Charlotte FC has just one loss in its first five games and has won two of its last three, with its most recent result, a dominant 6–1 win over a young Red Bull New York side. This week, they welcome the Philadelphia Union to North Carolina, with the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions looking for any progress after losing each of the first five games of 2026.

Given the form of Pep Biel and Wilfried Zaha through the last several games, Charlotte should handle this result. At the same time, the return of center back Tim Ream from USMNT camp should have him in peak condition coming out of the break.

Prediction: Charlotte FC 2–1 Philadelphia Union

D.C. United vs. FC Dallas

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

FC Dallas heads to the nation’s capital with hopes of turning some of the draws into wins. Through five games, they have lost just once — but have also won just twice, with draws forcing them lower in the table than other undefeated teams. Coming off a thrilling 4–3 win in the Texas Derby over the Houston Dynamo, star striker Petar Musa will look to maintain his form from a hat-trick in his last game and international duty with Croatia.

For D.C. United, the key will be to neutralize Musa and his strike partner, Logan Farrington, with the aim of playing for a low-scoring win. In each of D.C.’s five games this season, they have yet to score more than two goals, but they have also never conceded more than two, either.

Prediction: D.C. United 1–2 FC Dallas

Inter Miami vs. Austin FC

Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, Lionel Messi — Lionel Messi (center) and his Inter Miami teammates had a training session at the new Nu Stadium. | Inter Miami

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Inter Miami’s brand-new stadium, Nu Stadium, has yet to finish construction, but will welcome Lionel Messi and his Herons teammates for the first time this weekend as Inter Miami take on Austin FC.

Several players on both sides come into the weekend fresh off international duty, with Miami’s Messi and Rodrigo De Paul having played in friendlies with Argentina, and Ian Fray having taken part in the FIFA inter-confederation playoffs, missing last-chance World Cup qualification with Jamaica. Austin, meanwhile, saw Facundo Torres sit on the bench for two games with Uruguay.

With the focus back on MLS, Miami seeks a fifth-straight undefeated result and fourth win in five games, while Austin eyes a second win in 2026 after a run of two losses and a draw.

Prediction: Inter Miami 3–1 Austin FC

New York City FC vs. St. Louis CITY SC

Matt Freese is back with New York City FC after facing Portugal with the USMNT. | John Jones-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

New York City FC begins the final season of ballpark bouncing in New York, as they head to Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, for this weekend’s clash against St. Louis CITY SC, given the New York Yankees’ home series against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium.

While Inter Miami opens its new stadium, the Mets’ surroundings will have NYCFC dreaming further of what next season will offer at the new Etihad Park. Yet, before they can focus too much on stadiums, they will want to find their way back into the win column, following a 3–2 loss to the Herons last time out.

St. Louis CITY come into the game off their first win of the season and also hold the advantage of refreshed players, with only depth forward Mykhi Joyner departing the team over the last week for international duty. NYCFC, in contrast, had seven international absences.

Prediction: New York City FC 3–1 St. Louis CITY SC

Red Bull New York vs. FC Cincinnati

Julian Hall and Red Bull New York look to bounce back from a heavy defeat against Charlotte FC. | Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT

Red Bull New York were left reeling after a 6–1 loss to Charlotte FC last time out, and Michael Bradley’s group will be driven to bounce back against an FC Cincinnati side that is coming off a win, albeit a worrying 4–3 one over CF Montréal.

Given Bradley’s reliance on youth talents for RBNY this season, there will be inconsistencies, and that is already becoming extremely evident through the first few games of his tenure. Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti are talented, but also just mere teenagers taking on this much professional responsibility for the first time.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, is still looking for Evander to hit his best form after some early-season injury concerns, even with Kévin Denkey finding some consistency with four goals in his last four matches across all competitions.

Prediction: Red Bull New York 1–4 FC Cincinnati

Chicago Fire FC vs. Nashville SC

Sam Surridge, Nashville SC — Sam Surridge looks to build on his MLS Golden Boot lead. | Chris Carter/MLS/Getty Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

Nashville SC were the best team through the first five weeks of the MLS season, with the likes of Sam Surridge, Cristian Espinoza and Hany Mukhtar standing out as a potent attacking trio under manager B.J. Callaghan.

Now back in action and on the road against the Chicago Fire, Surridge looks to build on his seven goals and extend his lead atop the MLS Golden Boot standings, while the rest of the team focuses on extending the clean-sheet streak to three-straight MLS matches.

Led by manager Gregg Berhalter, Chicago welcomes plenty of talent back from international duty. The centerback pairing of Joel Waterman and Mbekezeli Mbokazi played significant minutes for Canada and South Africa, respectively, with Mbokazi scoring a stunning goal against Panama. As such, expect some rotation, given the lack of rest for those two.

Prediction: Chicago Fire FC 0–3 Nashville SC

Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders

Guilherme is an early-season favorite for MLS Newcomer of the Year. | Tim Warner/Getty Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT

It was a heartbreaking finish to the Texas Derby for the Houston Dynamo last time out, as they fell 4–3 to rivals FC Dallas. This week, they’re back at home looking for a bounce-back against an in-form Seattle Sounders side. And while they lost the derby, finding attacking form from players outside of Guilherme was a critical step in the right direction.

The Sounders, meanwhile, are brimming with confidence. They recently knocked off Cascadia rivals Vancouver Whitecaps in the Concacaf Champions Cup, before playing to a scoreless draw against Minnesota United. They will have a slightly different look, though, having dealt left midfielder Georgi Minoungou to the Colorado Rapids over the break.

Prediction: Houston Dynamo 2–2 Seattle Sounders

LAFC vs. Orlando City

Son Heung-Min has yet to score for LAFC this season. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT

The mission begins for Orlando City. After signing French superstar Antoine Griezmann, they will look to put themselves in as strong a spot as possible for when he joins the team in July, with hopes of an MLS Cup run, despite poor form to start the season. This week, it starts with a massive challenge against LAFC.

The Black and Gold are back at home in this one and have started the season with four wins in five games, having yet to concede a goal in MLS play, setting a record for the longest shutout streak to start a regular season. At the same time, the attack is hungrier than ever, with Denis Bouanga sitting on one goal in five games and South Korean superstar Son Heung-min yet to find the back of the net.

Expect a vigorous effort from LAFC, and it could get ugly.

Prediction: LAFC 5–1 Orlando City

LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United

João Klauss has five goals in the LA Galaxy's first five games of the 2026 MLS season. | William Liang-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

There was potential for this game to feature two legends of the 2010s, with the LA Galaxy’s Marco Reus and Minnesota United’s James Rodríguez, but that matchup won’t happen. The Colombian was hospitalized with dehydration while on international duty and won’t be available for the Loons this weekend.

Both sides are looking to snap runs of two losses and a draw in their last three games, while navigating the growing pains of early-season challenges. The Galaxy, however, got a bit of a confidence boost amid their rut, with two wins over Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant FC to advance in the Concacaf Champions Cup and will look for João Klauss to build on his five MLS goals so far this campaign.

Prediction: LA Galaxy 0–0 Minnesota United

San Jose Earthquakes vs. San Diego FC

Timo Werner has helped the San Jose Earthquakes get off to a hot start. | Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The San Jose Earthquakes come back from the break in exceptional form, having handed Vancouver Whitecaps a first loss of the season to move to four wins and a loss through the first five games. This week, they host a California rival, taking on Western Conference powerhouse San Diego FC, a side looking to get back to winning ways after two straight draws.

While San Jose will continue to lean on the connection between Timo Werner and Ousseni Bouda, San Diego may have to be measured in the minutes it gives to its stars. Anders Dreyer, the talismanic winger, is coming off a grueling two games with Denmark, which ended in heartbreak as his nation missed the World Cup in the UEFA playoff final. As such, his impact in the California battle may be limited.

Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes 2–2 San Diego FC

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Portland Timbers

Brian White has five MLS goals this season. | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Date: Saturday, April 4
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT

The Vancouver Whitecaps thrashed the Portland Timbers 4–1 just a few weeks ago, but face a new challenge on Saturday as they deal with the latest injury blow to an already depleted center back group.

Ralph Priso, the 23-year-old who has stepped into the defensive role after playing his entire career as a midfielder, suffered a hamstring strain while playing for Canada and will be unavailable for the foreseeable future. It could mean right back Mathías Laborda finds his way to the heart of the defense alongside Tristan Blackmon.

The attack will look to get themselves back among the goals after a 1–0 loss to San Jose, with Brian White aiming to build on five goals so far, and each of Thomas Müller and Emmanuel Sabbi looking to find the back of the net amid a cold spell.

For Portland, who enter the match on a four-match winless streak, getting three points is vital. They’ve not picked up a victory since the first week of the season, and manager Phil Neville’s seat may be getting warm, especially with another loss.

Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps 4–1 Portland Timbers

MLS Predictions: Matchday 6

Date	Kickoff Time	Fixture	Prediction
Saturday, April 4	1:00 p.m. ET/10:00 a.m PT	Toronto FC vs. Colorado Rapids	3–1
Saturday, April 4	4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m PT	New England Revolution vs. CF Montréal	1–1
Saturday, April 4	4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m PT	Real Salt Lake vs. Sporting Kansas City	2–0
Saturday, April 4	7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT	Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew	2–2
Saturday, April 4	7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT	Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union	2–1
Saturday, April 4	7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT	D.C. United vs. FC Dallas	1–2
Saturday, April 4	7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT	Inter Miami vs. Austin FC	3–1
Saturday, April 4	7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT	New York City FC vs. St. Louis CITY SC	3–1
Saturday, April 4	7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT	Red Bull New York vs. FC Cincinnati	1–4
Saturday, April 4	8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT	Chicago Fire FC vs. Nashville SC	0–3
Saturday, April 4	8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT	Houston Dynamo vs. Seattle Sounders	2–2
Saturday, April 4	9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT	LAFC vs. Orlando City	5–1
Saturday, April 4	10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT	LA Galaxy vs. Minnesota United	0–0
Saturday, April 4	10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT	San Jose Earthquakes vs. San Diego FC	2–2
Saturday, April 4	10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT	Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Portland Timbers	4–1