Major League Soccer 2026 Odds and Betting Guide
The ever-increasing popularity of Major League Soccer (MLS) is ensuring that soccer is quickly becoming one of the most followed sports in North America. Popularity levels surged following David Beckham’s arrival at LA Galaxy in 2007, before Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 helped safeguard the competition’s long-term future.
Nowadays, 30 teams compete in the MLS, with the sides divided between the Eastern and Western Conferences. You can find out everything you need to know about the competition in our MLS betting guide.
Major League Soccer Winner Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami | +400 |
| LAFC | +450 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | +650 |
| Nashville SC | +1400 |
| San Diego FC | +1400 |
| FC Cincinnati | +1600 |
| New York City FC | +1600 |
| Other Selections | +2500 & Bigger |
Best Sportsbooks for Betting on Major League Soccer
How Does The MLS Format Work?
The MLS is made up of 30 teams, with 27 based in the United States and three in Canada. Teams are divided between the East and West Conferences, with regular season matches played between February and October.
The team with the best overall record is awarded the Supporters’ Shield. A total of 18 teams compete in the MLS Cup Playoffs, with the Eastern and Western champions colliding for the MLS Cup.
How to Bet on the MLS
A wide selection of betting markets is available for MLS wagers, ranging from single-game options to season-long bets, such as the outright MLS winner.
Outright MLS Cup Winner
The most popular season-long bet lets gamblers wager on the team they believe will win the MLS Cup. The market opens after the previous campaign concludes, with prices fluctuating throughout the season based on team performances. Returns are awarded should the team selected win the MLS Cup at the end of the season.
Match Result
When it comes to single-game betting, the match result market is most popular. The Moneyline option allows bettors to select from three possible results, with the returns awarded if the bettor is successful. Both teams are options in this market, while the draw could be a valuable angle.
Both Teams to Score
As one of the most entertaining global soccer competitions, it typically features goals. Therefore, both teams to score is a popular angle. Bettors can wager on either ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ in this market. If ‘Yes’ is selected, both teams involved must score to achieve returns.
Total Goals
Bets can also be placed on the total number of goals in a selected matchup. A benchmark will be set by the sportsbook, with the gambler then wagering on whether the combined total in the match is higher or lower. For example, if a bettor wagers on over 2.5 goals, then a minimum of three goals must be scored in order to get returns.
Spread Betting
There can typically be a big difference between the best and worst teams in the MLS. Therefore, the spread can present the most value. Here, the favored team will start with a disadvantage that they must overcome. For example, a team could begin at -1.5. Here, the favored team must win by at least two clear goals in order for it to be a winning selection.
MLS History & Former Champions
The MLS has transformed rapidly since its formation in 1996. Originally, the competition was founded following the United States’ successful bid to host the 1994 World Cup.
However, the inaugural campaign wasn’t held until 1996, with ten teams involved. Financial issues hindered the MLS’s early progress, with two teams folding in 2002.
But, developments of soccer-specific stadiums and the implementation of the Designated Player Rule, allowing clubs to sign star players such as David Beckham and Lionel Messi to big deals, ensured that a global audience was achieved, with the MLS becoming a profitable sporting competition in the process.
Below, in this stage of the MLS betting guide, you can find the former champions of the North American competition.
MLS Cup Champions
| Year | Winners | Runners-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Inter Miami | Vancouver Whitecaps |
| 2024 | LA Galaxy | New York Red Bulls |
| 2023 | Columbus Crew | LAFC |
| 2022 | LAFC | Philadelphia Union |
| 2021 | New York City FC | Portland Timbers |
| 2020 | Columbus Crew | Seattle Sounders |
| 2019 | Seattle Sounders | Toronto FC |
| 2018 | Atlanta United | Portland Timbers |
| 2017 | Toronto FC | Seattle Sounders |
| 2016 | Seattle Sounders | Toronto FC |