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.
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
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
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 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
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 heading into the break.
Prediction: FC Cincinnati 1–2 Orlando City
D.C. United vs. CF Montréal
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
D.C. United will look to finish strong at home against CF Montréal as the spring campaign comes to a close.
Both teams have had inconsistent campaigns, making this a crucial opportunity to secure valuable points before the World Cup hiatus.
Prediction: D.C. United 2–1 CF Montréal
Chicago Fire vs. Toronto FC
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
The Chicago Fire host Toronto FC in what promises to be an intriguing matchup between two clubs looking to make late-season moves.
Toronto FC will be desperate for positive results heading into the break, while the Fire aim to build on recent performances.
Prediction: Chicago Fire 1–1 Toronto FC
Sporting Kansas City vs. Red Bull New York
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 8:30 p.m. ET / 5:30 p.m. PT
Sporting Kansas City welcome Red Bull New York in a Western Conference clash that could prove pivotal for postseason positioning.
Both sides will be keen to end the pre-break campaign on a high note and carry momentum into the resumption of play.
Prediction: Sporting Kansas City 2–2 Red Bull New York
Nashville SC vs. New York City FC
Date: Sunday, May 24
Time: 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT
Nashville SC play host to New York City FC in the lone Sunday fixture of Matchday 15.
With the World Cup on the horizon, both teams will be looking to give their fans something to celebrate before the extended break.
Prediction: Nashville SC 1–0 New York City FC
Colorado Rapids vs. FC Dallas
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT
Colorado Rapids host FC Dallas in a late-night Western Conference showdown.
Both teams have everything to play for as they look to solidify their places in the standings before the pause.
Prediction: Colorado Rapids 1–2 FC Dallas
Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
Portland Timbers wrap up their season against the San Jose Earthquakes in a Pacific Northwest clash.
The Timbers will be favorites heading into this one, but the Earthquakes have shown they can cause upsets on their day.
Prediction: Portland Timbers 3–1 San Jose Earthquakes
San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Date: Sunday, May 24
Time: 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT
San Diego FC host Vancouver Whitecaps in another Sunday matchup to close out Matchday 15.
As one of MLS's newer franchises, San Diego will be eager to make a statement against a seasoned opponent like Vancouver.
Prediction: San Diego FC 2–1 Vancouver Whitecaps
LA Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
LA Galaxy face Houston Dynamo in a marquee matchup featuring two of the league's most storied franchises.
The Galaxy will be seeking redemption after their U.S. Open Cup exit, while Houston looks to build on their cup run.
Prediction: LA Galaxy 2–2 Houston Dynamo
Columbus Crew vs. Atlanta United
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Columbus Crew host Atlanta United in an Eastern Conference showdown with major playoff implications.
Both clubs have ambitions of silverware this season, making this three-pointer crucial for their title hopes.
Prediction: Columbus Crew 2–0 Atlanta United
Inter Miami vs. Philadelphia Union
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
Inter Miami welcome the Philadelphia Union in what promises to be one of the most-watched matches of the weekend.
With Lionel Messi leading the charge, Miami will be heavy favorites, but the Union have proven to be resilient opponents.
Prediction: Inter Miami 3–1 Philadelphia Union
LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders
Date: Saturday, May 23
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. PT
LAFC close out Matchday 15 against the Seattle Sounders in a classic West Coast rivalry matchup.
Both teams will be hungry for three points as they look to maintain momentum heading into the World Cup break and beyond.
Prediction: LAFC 2–1 Seattle Sounders