It's my favorite time of year... the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs!

All the Decision Day drama was great, but now the intensity rises. Every game means a little more, rivalries are bigger and better, and the big stars step into the spotlight.

There can only be one champion crowned in the Dec. 18 final, and I think only three teams can truly make the case to be 2026 MLS Cup champions. 

I have three criteria to know if teams can win MLS Cup: A good center-back pairing that can shut down an attack, real difference-makers in attack, and ideas/philosophy with the ball.

Nashville are the best regular-season team in MLS history. They set the record for most points (77), the best goal difference (+46), the most home wins (15)… the list goes on.

B.J. Callaghan’s side has dominated at GEODIS Park all year, and will only play on the road once if they make MLS Cup. That's a recipe for success. 

The defense, anchored by center backs Maxwell Woledzi and Jeisson Palacios, has been historically good, and Brian Schwake is the odds-on favorite for Goalkeeper of the Year. Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge up front have been consistent and special, combining for 38g/10a, and Cristian Espinoza has added 4g/15a.

Now, the pressure is on to win an MLS Cup-Supporters’ Shield double. The expectations have risen. Can Nashville meet the moment?

The defending champions were starting to hit their stride toward the end of the regular season, much like they did going into the 2025 playoffs.

But then a hiccup on Decision Day, when they gave up a 3-0 halftime lead against Charlotte FC and settled for a 3-3 draw. That gave me some pause.

Then again, I remembered Inter Miami have Lionel Messi, and any team that has Lionel Messi is a favorite to win that competition. Luis Suárez has been superb this season as his running mate up front. And when you add Micael and Casemiro as center backs, you have a chance in every game.

When the game is on the line, I'm picking Messi to do something magical every time.

Vancouver are the best team in the Western Conference, hands down.

Style of play? Check. Center backs that can defend well, pass out of the back, and are scoring threats on set pieces? Check. Difference-makers and goalscorers in Ryan Gauld, Thomas Müller and Brian White? Check.

Perhaps more importantly, the Whitecaps finished second in the Supporters' Shield standings this year. That means if Nashville don't advance out of the East, head coach Jesper Sørensen's team would host MLS Cup at BC Place.

For two years now, this team has been playing as consistent as anyone in North America. Can they cap it off with an MLS Cup victory, avenging last year's runner-up finish?