Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown into one of the most exciting and diverse football leagues in the world. With teams spanning the United States and Canada, the league showcases a unique blend of homegrown talent, international stars, and passionate fan cultures.
Since its inaugural season in 1996, MLS has expanded significantly, now boasting a mix of long-established clubs and ambitious newcomers. Each team has its own identity, shaped by its city, supporters, and playing style. From the powerhouse clubs that dominate the standings to the underdogs fighting to make their mark, this guide provides a comprehensive look at the league’s clubs old and new.
Whether you’re searching for a club to support or simply want to deepen your knowledge of North America’s top football teams, this guide has everything you need to know.
Atlanta United FC
Founded: 2014 (Joined MLS in 2017)
Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Georgia)
Club Colours: Red, Black, and Gold
Nickname: The Five Stripes
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2018), U.S. Open Cup (2019), Campeones Cup (2019)
Interesting Fact: Atlanta United made an immediate impact in MLS, winning the league in just their second season. Their fanbase is one of the most passionate in the league, regularly setting attendance records.
Austin FC
Founded: 2018 (Joined MLS in 2021)
Stadium: Q2 Stadium (Austin, Texas)
Club Colours: Black and Verde (Green)
Nickname: Verde & Black
Major Honours: None yet
Interesting Fact: As the first major professional sports team in Austin, the club quickly built a dedicated following. Their slogan “Grow the Legend” ties into their identity as a green and community-focused club, and their stadium has many state of the art eco features such as a rainwater collection system.
CF Montréal
Founded: 2010 (Joined MLS in 2012)
Stadium: Stade Saputo (Montreal, Quebec)
Club Colours: Blue, Black, and White
Nickname: CFM, Le CFM
Major Honours: Canadian Championship Winners (multiple times)
Interesting Fact: The club is one of three Canadian teams in MLS and has strong ties to the Francophone culture of Quebec. CF Montréal were originally known as Montreal Impact but rebranded in 2021. They became the first Canadian team to reach the final of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2015
Charlotte FC
Founded: 2019 (Joined MLS in 2022)
Stadium: Bank of America Stadium (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Club Colours: Blue, Black, and Silver
Nickname: The Crown
Major Honours: None yet
Interesting Fact: Despite being a new club, Charlotte FC set an MLS attendance record in their inaugural match when over 74,000 fans packed Bank of America Stadium for their first-ever home game.
Chicago Fire FC
Founded: 1997 (Joined MLS in 1998)
Stadium: Soldier Field (Chicago, Illinois)
Club Colours: Red, Navy, and Gold
Nickname: The Fire
Major Honours: MLS Cup (1998), Supporter’s Shield (2003), U.S. Open Cup (4 times)
Interesting Fact: The club was named after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. They won the MLS Cup in their debut season, a feat still unmatched in the league.
FC Cincinnati
Founded: 2015 (Joined MLS in 2019)
Stadium: TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Club Colours: Orange and Blue
Nickname: The Orange and Blue
Major Honours: Supporter’s Shield (2023)
Interesting Fact: The club had an enormous following even before joining MLS, consistently drawing large crowds in the USL Championship. They set an MLS record for the largest ever season-opening attendance in 2019, with over 32,000 fans packed into Nippert Stadium for their inaugural MLS match.
Colorado Rapids
Founded: 1995 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (Commerce City, Colorado)
Club Colours: Burgundy and Blue
Nickname: The Rapids
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2010)
Interesting Fact: The Rapids were one of the ten founding MLS teams. They were the first club to win the MLS Cup in a season where they finished lower than 4th in the regular-season standings.
Columbus Crew
Founded: 1994 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: Lower.com Field (Columbus, Ohio)
Club Colours: Black and Gold
Nickname: The Crew
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2008, 2020, 2023), U.S. Open Cup (2002), Supporters’ Shield (3 times)
Interesting Fact: Columbus Crew were the first club officially established in MLS and were also the first team to build a soccer-specific stadium in the U.S. Technically, no club has spent more time in the MLS than them.
D.C. United
Founded: 1995 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: Audi Field (Washington, D.C.)
Club Colours: Black and Red
Nickname: Black-and-Red
Major Honours: MLS Cup (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004), U.S. Open Cup (3 times), Supporters’ Shield (4 times)
Interesting Fact: D.C. United were one of the league’s early dominant teams, winning the first-ever MLS Cup in 1996 and adding three more titles before 2005.
FC Dallas
Founded: 1995 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: Toyota Stadium (Frisco, Texas)
Club Colours: Red, White, and Blue
Nickname: The Toros
Major Honours: U.S. Open Cup (2 times), Supporters’ Shield (2016)
Interesting Fact: Originally named the Dallas Burn, the club rebranded to FC Dallas in 2005 to align with international football club naming conventions.
Houston Dynamo FC
Founded: 2005 (Joined MLS in 2006)
Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium (Houston, Texas)
Club Colours: Orange and Black
Nickname: The Dynamo
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2006, 2007), U.S. Open Cup (2018, 2023)
Interesting Fact: Houston Dynamo won back-to-back MLS Cups in their first two seasons after relocating from San Jose. They were the first MLS team to launch a bilingual Spanish-language television broadcast, which reflects the large Hispanic population in Houston.
Inter Miami CF
Founded: 2018 (Joined MLS in 2020)
Stadium: Chase Stadium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)
Club Colours: Pink, Black, and White
Nickname: The Herons
Major Honours: Leagues Cup (2023), Supporter’s Shield (2024)
Interesting Fact: Co-owned by David Beckham, Inter Miami made global headlines when they signed Lionel Messi in 2023. One of the most high profile MLS teams globally thanks to signing world class names.
LA Galaxy
Founded: 1994 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park (Carson, California)
Club Colours: White, Blue, and Gold
Nickname: The Galaxy
Major Honours: MLS Cup (6 times), U.S. Open Cup (2 times), Supporters’ Shield (4 times)
Interesting Fact: The first MLS team to sign a global superstar, David Beckham, in 2007, paving the way for more international talent in the league. LA Galaxy are therefore responsible for the introduction of the Designated Player rule. They are also the most successful club in MLS.
Los Angeles FC
Founded: 2014 (Joined MLS in 2018)
Stadium: BMO Stadium (Los Angeles, California)
Club Colours: Black and Gold
Nickname: LAFC
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2022), Supporters’ Shield (2019, 2022)
Interesting Fact: LAFC quickly became a dominant force, building an intense rivalry with LA Galaxy known as “El Tráfico.” The team broke numerous records in their first few seasons, including setting the MLS single-season points record in 2019.
Minnesota United FC
Founded: 2015 (Joined MLS in 2017)
Stadium: Allianz Field (Saint Paul, Minnesota)
Club Colours: Grey and Blue
Nickname: The Loons
Major Honours: None yet
Interesting Fact: The club’s nickname, “The Loons,” comes from Minnesota’s state bird, and their supporters are known for their passionate singing of “Wonderwall” after victories. The song was written by Manchester band, Oasis, and the club initials are MUFC, the same as Manchester United.
Sporting Kansas City
Founded: 1995 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: Children’s Mercy Park (Kansas City, Kansas)
Club Colours: Sporting Blue, Grey, and White
Nickname: The Wizards (formerly), The Sporting
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2000, 2013), U.S. Open Cup (2004, 2012, 2015, 2017), Supporters’ Shield (2000)
Interesting Fact: Sporting Kansas City is one of the most successful clubs in MLS history, having won the U.S Open a joint record four times. The club is renowned for its passionate supporters, particularly the “Cauldron” fan group, who are known for their vocal and energetic support at every home game.
Nashville SC
Founded: 2018 (Joined MLS in 2020)
Stadium: GEODIS Park (Nashville, Tennessee)
Club Colours: Gold and Navy Blue
Nickname: The Boys in Gold
Major Honours: No major trophies yet
Interesting Fact: Nashville SC made a strong MLS debut, reaching the playoffs in their inaugural season (2020). GEODIS Park, their state-of-the-art stadium, opened in 2022 and has a capacity of over 30,000, making it one of the largest soccer-specific stadiums in the United States.
New England Revolution
Founded: 1994 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: Gillette Stadium (Foxborough, Massachusetts)
Club Colours: Blue, Red, and White
Nickname: The Revs
Major Honours: U.S. Open Cup (2007, 2010), Supporters’ Shield (2008)
Interesting Fact: New England Revolution has been one of the most consistent teams in MLS, regularly competing in the playoffs. However, despite reaching the MLS Cup final five times, they have yet to win the ultimate prize.
New York Red Bulls
Founded: 1994 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: Red Bull Arena (Harrison, New Jersey)
Club Colours: Red, White, and Blue
Nickname: The Red Bulls
Major Honours: Supporters’ Shield (2013, 2015, 2018), U.S. Open Cup (2013)
Interesting Fact: The New York Red Bulls are one of the most successful teams in MLS regular-season history, winning multiple Supporters’ Shields. Despite their regular-season success, they have yet to capture an MLS Cup. They were originally known as the Metro Stars but rebranded in 2006.
New York City FC
Founded: 2013 (Joined MLS in 2015)
Stadium: Yankee Stadium (New York, New York)
Club Colours: Light Blue, Navy Blue, and Orange
Nickname: The Pigeons
Major Honours: No major trophies yet
Interesting Fact: New York City FC was founded as a sister club to Manchester City, as part of the City Football Group. The team has attracted big-name players like David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, and Frank Lampard in its early years. he club’s home, Yankee Stadium, is a unique venue for soccer, as it’s primarily a baseball stadium, which presents unique challenges and advantages for the team.
Orlando City SC
Founded: 2010 (Joined MLS in 2015)
Stadium: Exploria Stadium (Orlando, Florida)
Club Colours: Purple, Gold, and White
Nickname: The Lions
Major Honours: U.S. Open Cup (2015)
Interesting Fact: Orlando City SC made a memorable MLS debut in 2015, winning the US Open Cup and dedicating their first home game to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting which happened a few weeks before. Known for their bold purple kit, the team has built a reputation as one of the most fan-centric clubs in MLS.
Philadelphia Union
Founded: 2008 (Joined MLS in 2010)
Stadium: Subaru Park (Chester, Pennsylvania)
Club Colours: Navy Blue, Gold, and White
Nickname: The U
Major Honours: Supporters’ Shield (2020), U.S. Open Cup (2014)
Interesting Fact: Despite their early years of struggle, Philadelphia Union has become a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, reaching the MLS Cup final in 2020. The home ground, Subaru Park, is actually located just outside of Philadelphia, and is one of the most fan-friendly stadiums in MLS, offering an incredible view of the Delaware River.
Portland Timbers
Founded: 2009 (Joined MLS in 2011)
Stadium: Providence Park (Portland, Oregon)
Club Colours: Green and Gold
Nickname: The Timbers
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2015), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2013)
Interesting Fact: The Timbers’ nickname comes from the city’s lumber industry roots, and they proudly celebrate their connection to the region’s history. Despite being a relatively young team in MLS, the Timbers have made a significant impact, with the 2015 MLS Cup being the pinnacle of their success to date.
Real Salt Lake
Founded: 2004 (Joined MLS in 2005)
Stadium: America First Field (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Club Colours: Claret, Cobalt, and Gold
Nickname: RSL
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2009), U.S. Open Cup (2013)
Interesting Fact: Real Salt Lake made an instant impact in MLS, winning the MLS Cup in 2009 in one of the most dramatic finals in league history, defeating Los Angeles Galaxy in a penalty shootout. The club’s name is a nod to Spanish football, as “Real” translates to “Royal” in Spanish, inspired by the club’s ownership by the Zions Bank corporation.
San Diego FC
Founded: 2022 (Joined MLS in 2025)
Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium (San Diego, California)
Club Colours: Navy Blue, Gold, and White
Nickname: Loyal
Major Honours: No major trophies yet
Interesting Fact: San Diego FC, also known as San Diego Loyal, became the newest MLS expansion team in 2025, after building a passionate local fanbase during their time in the lower divisions. The club is owned by former U.S. men’s national team legend Landon Donovan, who is also the team’s head coach.
San Jose Earthquakes
Founded: 1994 (Joined MLS in 1996)
Stadium: PayPal Park (San Jose, California)
Club Colours: Blue, Black, and White
Nickname: The Quakes
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2001, 2003), U.S. Open Cup (2004), Supporters’ Shield (2005, 2012)
Interesting Fact: The San Jose Earthquakes have a rich history in MLS, with two MLS Cup victories and a reputation for being one of the league’s founding teams. The Earthquakes have been home to some of the league’s most talented players, most notably Chris Wondolowski, the league’s all-time top scorer.
Seattle Sounders FC
Founded: 2007 (Joined MLS in 2009)
Stadium: Lumen Field (Seattle, Washington)
Club Colours: Sounder Green, Blue, and Fluro Yellow
Nickname: The Sounders
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2016, 2019), U.S. Open Cup (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014), Supporters’ Shield (2014)
Interesting Fact: The Seattle Sounders are one of the most successful and beloved clubs in MLS history, known for their incredible fanbase, the “Emerald City Supporters”. Since joining MLS the club has consistently been a powerhouse in both domestic and international competitions, with MLS Cup wins in 2016 and 2019.
St. Louis City SC
Founded: 2022 (Joined MLS in 2023)
Stadium: CITYPARK (St. Louis, Missouri)
Club Colours: Red, Blue, and Black
Nickname: The CITY
Major Honours: No major trophies yet
Interesting Fact: St. Louis City SC is a club known for its innovative and forward-thinking approach, with an emphasis on a fast, high-pressing style of play. CITYPARK, their modern and state-of-the-art stadium, is located in downtown St. Louis and has quickly become one of the most exciting new venues in MLS. The team’s supporters are known as “The St. Louligans”.
Toronto FC
Founded: 2005 (Joined MLS in 2007)
Stadium: BMO Field (Toronto, Ontario)
Club Colours: Red, Black, and White
Nickname: TFC
Major Honours: MLS Cup (2017), Canadian Championship (2016, 2017, 2018, 2020), Supporters’ Shield (2017)
Interesting Fact: Toronto FC is one of the more successful clubs in MLS in recent years, with a major highlight being their MLS Cup victory in 2017, which completed a historic treble, as they also won the Canadian Championship and the Supporters’ Shield in the same season. The club is known for its passionate fanbase, “Red Patch Boys,” who create an electric atmosphere at BMO Field, particularly with their signature red smoke and chants.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Founded: 1986 (Joined MLS in 2011)
Stadium: BC Place (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Club Colours: Blue, White, and Black
Nickname: The Caps
Major Honours: Canadian Championship (2015, 2016, 2018)
Interesting Fact: Vancouver Whitecaps FC has a long history in Canadian soccer, dating back to the NASL days. The club is known for its commitment to developing young talent through its academy system, and its supporters, “Southsiders,” are among the most dedicated in MLS. BC Place, the team’s home stadium, is one of the most iconic venues in Canada, with a retractable roof that ensures matches are played in all weather conditions.