MLS returned to action following its extensive post-World Cup summer break, with several marquee fixtures set to light up Saturday, July 25, across the league.
Lionel Messi is currently absent from action, taking a well-earned rest after Argentina suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Spain in the World Cup final.
The spotlight has shifted to high-profile newcomers Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann, both of whom are now settled into their new MLS surroundings.
Lewandowski made his Chicago Fire debut on Wednesday, July 22, playing 63 minutes but failing to find the net in a 3-2 loss to a Messi-less Inter Miami.
The Polish striker will have another chance to open his MLS account on Saturday when the Fire travel to take on New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.
Griezmann, meanwhile, made the perfect start to his MLS career, scoring his first goal just three minutes into the second half of Orlando City’s dominant 4-0 rout of the San Jose Earthquakes.
The French forward, who won the World Cup with France back in 2018, now faces a much stiffer challenge as Orlando City host Supporters’ Shield leaders Nashville SC on Saturday evening.
Among the standout fixtures on the schedule is the renewal of one of MLS’s best rivalries, as the Columbus Crew host FC Cincinnati in the famous “Hell is Real” derby at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
FC Cincinnati arrive in form after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Western Conference leaders the Vancouver Whitecaps, keeping them firmly in the hunt for Eastern Conference playoff places.
It has been a difficult season for the host Crew, who have managed just four wins from 16 league matches after a turbulent campaign that saw Henrik Rydström dismissed on May 17 after just 14 games in charge.
Laurent Courtois has since taken over as interim head coach, though the Crew’s struggles continued with a 2-1 defeat to New York City FC on July 22 following the World Cup break.
In terms of the 2026 title race, Inter Miami remain the favorites according to the latest BetMGM odds, listed at +333, ahead of Los Angeles FC and Vancouver Whitecaps, both at +750.
Nashville SC sit fourth in the betting at +800, while FC Cincinnati round out the top five at +1200 as the second half of the season gets underway in earnest.
All Saturday fixtures are available to stream on Apple TV, with San Diego FC vs. FC Dallas the exception, which is broadcast on FS1 at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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