MLS Picks and Predictions for July 16, 2026: Major League Soccer Returns

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Thu Jul 16, 2026, 10:30 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

Daniel Musovski has scored just once for Seattle so far this MLS season - MLS Picks

MLS

The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn't quite over yet, as we still have the third place match on Saturday and the World Cup Final on Sunday. However, the top league in the United States, Major League Soccer, is back for some Thursday action, and even a couple matches tomorrow as well. We had some success in the first half of the MLS season, let's see if we can pick up where we left off with today's picks!

  • MLS YTD
  • 21-17 (55.3%)
  • +5.42u
  • Average Odds: +120

Be sure to check out our favorite MLS Player Props for today as well!

Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

Major League Soccer: Thursday's Predictions July 16

Thomas Müller and the Whitecaps are leading the Western Conference halfway through the MLS season - MLS Picks

Thomas Müller and the Whitecaps are leading the Western Conference halfway through the MLS season

Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Picks

Best Bet: Vancouver 1H Draw No Bet (-130) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

I could've paid a little bit more juice for the full game draw no bet line, but I'll opt to just back the Whitecaps to start off hot. Yes, this match is in Chicago, and Robert Lewandowski is likely making his debut for the Fire. There will be plenty of motivation to perform well for their European star's opening match, but they face one of the best teams in the league.

Even if Sebastian Berhalter rests this match after coming back from the World Cup, Thomas Müller can lead this high powered offense. They sit on top of the Western Conference at the moment, with 34 goals scored and just 12 conceded through 14 matches. As for the Fire, they are in third of the East, but have scored just 27 and conceded 16 in 14 matches.

The Whitecaps led at halftime in two of their last three on the road, against San Diego and FC Dallas, and were tied with the Houston Dynamo, meaning this bet would've cashed twice and pushed once in their last three matches. Give me Vancouver to come out hot and win the first 45 minutes of action.

Chicago has not seen a team of this caliber in over two months, when they lost to FC Cincinnati, who isn't even remotely as good as Vancouver. They could be in for a rude awakening tonight at home.

Prediction: Vancouver Wins 1H 1-0 (+405)

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Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers MLS Picks

Alex Roldan is a staple of this Seattle Sounders defense so far this MLS season - MLS Picks

Alex Roldan is a staple of this Seattle Sounders defense so far this MLS season

Best Bet: Sounders ML/Under 4.5 (+122) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Here we go again backing the Sounders in typical fashion by pairing their juicy moneyline with an inflated under. These two teams are plenty familiar with one another, but one is having the much better season than the other. Last time they went head to head, Seattle beat Portland at home, winning 1-0. Now, prior to the World Cup break, the Sounders lost two in a row and were shutout by both teams from Los Angeles. Back at home, they'll focus up and get the win.

While the Timbers are scoring 1.57 goals per match compared to just 1.31 for the Sounders, Seattle is holding teams to less than one goal per match while Portland is allowing two. Not a winning recipe if you ask me. The Sounders look much stronger so far this season, and I have no problem backing them to win a low scoring match at home against a team who has had a character building year.

Prediction: Seattle Sounders Win 2-0 (+900)

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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