19 clubs have appeared in at least one MLS Cup final. 15 people actually lifted it.
As the league’s membership has expanded to 29 teams (30 starting with San Diego FC starting in 2025), reaching the ultimate stage and winning it all has become more difficult.
Due to factors such as increased team size, overall talent growth, and changes in format, there is no guarantee that we will be able to replicate our success.
The upcoming playoffs in 2024 will see a handful of historic teams add to their title records, while others will be looking to win their first title. Here’s what you need to know about MLS Cup’s most successful franchise.
Who has played in the most MLS Cup finals?
Starting with availability, as mentioned above, 19 teams have at least one. Here are at least four more teams since the first edition in 1996.
Who has won the most MLS Cups?
However, as we saw in Revolution, not all teams that made it to the finals won. Here is a list of teams with 2 or more wins:
- LA Galaxy: 5
- DC United: 4
- Columbus Crew: 3
- Houston Dynamo: 2
- Seattle Sounders: 2
- Sporting Kansas City: 2
- San Jose Earthquake: 2
Who will win MLS Cup in 2024?
The two leading contenders in the West are the Galaxy and LAFC, with the latter having home-field advantage in the conference. The Black and Gold last won a title in 2022, and this is their first title win.
In the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will be looking for their first win after a historic season in which they won the Supporters’ Shield. However, Columbus will likely face a tough battle with coach Wilfried Nancy remaining at the helm and key players such as Cucho Hernandez and Diego Rossi.
Who won the 2023 MLS Cup?
In the 2023 final, the Columbus Crew defeated LAFC 2-1 at home to win their third title.
