Enjoy MLS this weekend, folks, because you won't see it again until mid-July. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take over the global soccer landscape over the next month.
While many leagues won't resume until after a country lifts the World Cup trophy in New Jersey on July 19, MLS will return to play a little earlier, with six games scheduled between the semifinals and finals with hopes of capturing soccer's heightened fandom.
First, though, MLS sides must forge through Matchday 15, earning a final result before they head for the couch for a restful break or to soccer's greatest stage.
Matchday 15 Matchups
- St. Louis CITY SC vs. Austin FC
- Minnesota United vs. Real Salt Lake
- Charlotte FC vs. New England Revolution
- FC Cincinnati vs. Orlando City
- D.C. United vs. CF Montréal
- Chicago Fire vs. Toronto FC
- Sporting Kansas City vs. Red Bull New York
- Nashville SC vs. New York City FC
- Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas
- Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes
- San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
- LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo
- Columbus Crew vs. Atlanta United
- Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union
- LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders
MLS Predictions: Matchday 15
St. Louis CITY SC vs. Austin FC
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 2:45 p.m. ET / 11:40 a.m. PT
Marcel Hartel scored a brace against the Houston Dynamo midweek.
St. Louis CITY SC have not had the perfect MLS season with just three wins to this point, but have their eyes on a trophy after advancing to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals midweek, knocking out the Houston Dynamo on penalties. While that's no doubt a focus, riding that new momentum to claim points against Austin FC at home could put them in a solid position to stay on the edge of playoff contention in the fall.
Austin FC, meanwhile, hit the road after parting ways with manager Nico Estévez and sporting director Rodolfo Borrell, with veteran manager Davy Arnaud tipped as the interim voice. With new leadership on the way, it's the start of a new era for Los Verdes.
Prediction: St. Louis CITY SC 2–0 Austin FC
Minnesota United vs. Real Salt Lake
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT
Zavier Gozo could be playing a World Cup send-off game this weekend.
Two of the borderline contending teams in the Western Conference go head-to-head this weekend, with Minnesota United already beginning their post-James Rodríguez era, looking for a result against a Real Salt Lake unit that hopes to see both Zavier Gozo and Diego Luna representing the USMNT at the World Cup.
Will either of the midfielders stand out in the final push for the squad, set to be unveiled on Tuesday?
Prediction: Minnesota United 1–4 Real Salt Lake
Charlotte FC vs. New England Revolution
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Wilfried Zaha won't get the chance to play at the World Cup this summer.
Wilfried Zaha missed out on the 2026 World Cup and will no doubt be frustrated about that reality as he takes to the pitch for the final game of the spring with Charlotte FC, looking to secure a victory alongside Pep Biel and Idan Toklomati.
On the other side, the Revolution looks for better road form after a stupendous start to the season at home, with goalkeeper Matt Turner set to put on one more performance before the USMNT World Cup squad unveiling.
Prediction: Charlotte FC 1–1 New England Revolution
FC Cincinnati vs. Orlando City
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Marco Pašalić will represent Croatia at the upcoming World Cup.
Orlando City are riding a high coming into this weekend, after thrashing Atlanta United 4–1 midweek to advance to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. While they can taste victory in that competition, finding any ground in MLS play remains a priority as they look to build momentum before the World Cup break.
Prediction: FC Cincinnati vs. Orlando City