Published Feb 17, 4:46am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 17, 4:46am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
One of the red-hot favorites for MLS Cup glory in 2026 kicks off their campaign at BC Place on Feb 21, as the Vancouver Whitecaps host Real Salt Lake.
Last season was a largely successful campaign for the Caps, but they will be aiming to go one better this year after falling at the final hurdle in 2025.
Real Salt Lake enjoyed a playoff finish in the Western Conference last term, but their playoff dreams were dashed by the Portland Timbers in the Wild Card round.
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|
|---|---|
| Vancouver | -155 |
| The Draw | +320 |
| Real Salt Lake | +367 |
The target for the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2026 is MLS Cup glory. Led by the dynamic Thomas Muller, the Canadian franchise boasts a deep roster of quality.
Jesper Sorensen has been an excellent coach for the team, and quality stars such as Brian White, Tristan Blackmon, and Sebastian Berhalter ensure that there is more to the team than just Muller’s presence in the final third. Key additions have been made in the forms of U22 attacker Bruno Caicedo and versatile forward Chiekh Sabaly.
However, the influential Ali Ahmed has departed the Caps during the winter transfer window, moving to English Championship side Norwich City.
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Real Salt Lake enjoyed a solid enough season last term, finishing the playoff spots before losing in the Wild Card round.
Diego Luna is the team’s main star, and there will be pressure on the attacking midfielder in the first half of the campaign to show why he is likely to be a guaranteed starter for the U.S. at the World Cup. Morgan Guilavogui has signed as a designated player after impressing in the French top-flight with Lens.
Further quality has been added in the forms of Juan Jose Arias and Lukas Engel. The business has already ensured that the franchise has replaced outgoing names such as Diogo Goncalves, William Agada, and Rwan Cruz.
| TOTAL | Vancouver | Real Salt Lake | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 37 | 15 | 15 | 7 |
| Goals | 99 | 50 | 49 |
The fact that this opening match falls in between Vancouver’s two legs against Cartagines in the CONCACAF Champions Cup shouldn’t be overlooked. Real Salt Lake have the quality across the field to upset the odds this season, and they could be a dark horse to go deep in the playoffs. Based on this, the value in the betting could be on the draw.
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Pick
The Draw
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