Big-time players and marquee showdowns highlight another action-packed slate of MLS weekend action.
These are the must-see games from Matchday 26.
- WHEN:Â Saturday, 7:30 pm ETÂ
- WATCH: Apple TV
Inter Miami CF vs. Nashville SC has evolved into one of the most highly anticipated rivalries in MLS in recent seasons. This edition of the Southern showdown will be no different, with major implications in the Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference races on deck.
The defending MLS Cup presented by Audi champions boast the league's top attack (59 goals) and best player in Lionel Messi, who's in pole position for a third-straight Landon Donovan MLS MVP award behind a league-best 31 goal contributions (18g/13a).
Fellow FC Barcelona legend Luis Suárez (12g/8a) has also reached double-digit goal contributions this season, while marquee summer signing Casemiro has scored in three straight games for a Miami side that's set to welcome new head coach Cristian "Kily" González in the coming days.
However, it's Nashville who have been the team to beat in MLS this season. The Coyotes are on pace to break the league's single-season points record (set by Miami in 2024) and enjoy a seven-point lead atop the Supporters' Shield race.
They've also gotten the best of Miami twice this year, eliminating the Herons from the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 before cruising to a 4-1 rout at GEODIS Park in league play last month.
The Designated Player attacking trio of Hany Mukhtar, Sam Surridge and Cristian Espinoza has combined for 26g/19a in league action, while veteran fullback Andy Nájar and breakout goalkeeper Brian Schwake earned MLS All-Star nods for their defensive contributions.
Add summer reinforcements like Tunisian international and FIFA 2026 World Cup veteran Elias Saad, and Nashville have all the makings of an MLS Cup contender.
- WHEN: Sunday, 5:30 pm ETÂ
- WATCH: Apple TV
Robert Lewandowski continues to enjoy his start to life with Chicago Fire FC, riding a three-game scoring streak into Sunday's clash with Eastern Conference foe New England Revolution.
The legendary Polish striker hit a stunning volley off a cross from Andrew Gutman in Wednesday's 1-1 draw with Miami. He's up to 6g/2a in his first nine MLS appearances with the Fire.
As Lewandowski builds further chemistry with fellow DP Philip Zinckernagel and Maren Haile-Selassie in attack, the Fire are seeking to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs with a top-four finish.
Third-place New England are also among the East's elite sides in their first season under head coach Marko Mitrović.Â
Former MLS MVP Carles Gil (10g/8a) is producing one of his finest-ever individual campaigns, while newly-acquired DP winger Jack Harrison has had an immediate impact with six assists in his first seven games since arriving from Leeds United.
USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner and rising homegrown Peyton Miller add more star quality to a Revs side that could potentially move within a point of second place in the East by the end of the weekend.
- WHEN: Sunday, 9 pm ETÂ
- WATCH: Apple TV
All eyes are on Cavan Sullivan and the Philadelphia Union these days. And with good reason.Â
The 16-year-old homegrown phenom posted three assists in the Union's 5–0 midweek thrashing of 10-man FC Cincinnati. It's the latest in a long string of impressive results for Philly, who have climbed from last place in the East to a playoff spot thanks to a nine-game unbeaten run following the World Cup break (7W-0L-2D).
Sullivan has been the main catalyst, racking up nine goal contributions (3g/6a) over a six-match stretch and extending his historic goal-contribution streak. And with brother Quinn Sullivan back from an ACL injury and fellow homegrown Neil Pierre's star rising, the Union could be even higher in the standings come playoff time.Â
San Diego, meanwhile, are fighting for a postseason spot amid an up-and-down sophomore season.Â
After topping the Western Conference during a historic 2025 expansion campaign, the Chrome-and-Azul currently sit ninth in the standings.
San Diego are led by Danish international Anders Dreyer, the 2025 MLS Newcomer of the Year who has 9g/11a on the season.
Summer DP signing Elias Achouri is showing positive signs with two goals in his first six appearances after starring for FC Copenhagen and representing Tunisia at the World Cup, as has DR Congo international striker Cédric Bakambu, who scored in his San Diego debut.
