Eastern Conference Preview: Key moves ahead of the 2026 season
- Rylee Mckinney
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
By Rylee McKinney
MLS’s 2025 season was a true whirlwind full of head-turning changes for the Eastern Conference. From mind-blowing signings to a game of weekly bumper-cars within the standings, the Eastern Conference kept fans on their toes all year.
Several teams around MLS have already made potential game-changing moves heading into the 2026 season, as the number of competitive rosters continues to increase.
Here’s a look at some of the big changes over the off-season that will impact the Eastern Conference heading into the 2026 season:
New Signings
Inter Miami CF
2025 MLS Cup winners Inter Miami continue to set the standard in the Eastern Conference through several major roster upgrades over the offseason. The club started this winter with the signing of the 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year, Dayne St. Clair, in free agency.
To reinforce their back line, Miami acquired center back Micael dos Santos from Palmeiras via the Houston Dynamo, and former La Liga and Premier League left back Sergio Reguilón.
The permanent signing of Rodrigo De Paul from Atlético Madrid completes Miami’s midfield. With De Paul’s permanent acquisition, the club now holds an additional Designated Player spot, which will reportedly be filled by German Berterame from CF Monterrey.
Miami improved every line, and they already had one of the strongest rosters before making any moves.
Nashville SC
Nashville SC, finishing in 6th place in the Eastern Conference last season, made one of the most impactful moves this offseason. On January 9, Nashville announced the signing of free agent forward Cristian Espinoza.
Espinoza’s contract with Nashville is set through 2028 with options through June 2029 and the 2029-30 season. With his previous squad, the San Jose Earthquakes, Espinoza held and continues to hold the all-time assist record, with 83 assists.
Espinoza’s arrival adds creativity to a team already centered around Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, granting Nashville one of the most dynamic attacking trios in the East. Additional signings such as Maxwell Woledzi and Warren Madrigal further strengthen the team’s depth.
D.C. United
D.C. United takes on a more aggressive roster with the signing of Romanian striker Louis Munteanu as a Designated Player. Munteanu’s signing marks a club-record transfer fee of $7 million plus add-ons.
Munteanu most recently played with CFR Cluj in the Romanian first division for the past two seasons. During his first season, Munteanu won the SuperLiga Golden Boot with 23 league goals and held a significant role in the club’s Cup Championship win. This move reflects a renewed commitment for D.C. to bring a more consistent competitive presence to the table.
This club-record transfer followed their addition of DP striker Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union. D.C. has also added several MLS-experienced pieces, including goalkeeper Sean Johnson and defender Sean Nealis.
Philadelphia Union
2025 Supporter Shield winners, Philadelphia Union, said their goodbyes to longtime left back Kai Wagner as he made the move to English Championship team, Birmingham City. Wagner’s departure left a significant gap in a team that has traditionally relied on defensive stability and the German's ability to whip in great crosses.
The Union has significantly addressed its attack with the signing of striker Ezekiel Alladoh from Sweden’s top division. Before his MLS move, Alladoh was in Sweden’s top flight with IF Brommapojkarna, where he scored eight goals across all competitions at just twenty years old.
Alladoh’s three-year contract is guaranteed through 2028 with club options for 2029 and 2030.
The Union has also added center back Japhet Sery Larsen from SK Brann.
Coaching Changes and Tactical Shifts
Most notably, the Eastern Conference has seen some significant alterations to many teams’ coaching staffs. Columbus Crew made headlines following the departure of Wilfried Nancy earlier in the offseason.
Following Nancy’s move to Celtic FC in the Scottish Premiership, the crew appointed Henrik Rydström to help stabilize the transition. Rydström most recently led Malmö FF of Allsvenskan in Sweden’s top division and brings along 10 years of coaching experience.
The New York Red Bulls also made waves with a new chapter under head coach Michael Bradley. The decision comes after Bradley’s successful stint leading their MLS Next Pro team, RBNY II, to a championship. Bradley hopes to bring a new intensity to the Red Bulls, which could shake up the standings.
Teams on the Rise
Despite the cut-throat competition in the Eastern Conference table last season, fans can expect some further ferocity heading into the 2026 season. Here are some teams that may just climb the 2026 table:
Nashville SC appears to be a sincere threat to the top of the Eastern Conference following a well-rounded offseason. Their front three of Espinoza, Surridge, and Mukhtar have the potential to combine star power with depth, which may be the key to a top-four finish.
Columbus Crew also remains a team to watch despite its transitional phase. A strong roster foundation and improved stability under head coach Henrik Rydstrom suggest that last season’s seventh-place finish may be a foundation for growth.
FC Cincinnati is yet another club capable of taking a step forward. While they struggled last season to integrate their attacking talent into a cohesive unit, a full preseason together could help iron out those complications.
Orlando City and Charlotte FC both face pivotal decisions that could foreshadow their 2025 trajectories. Orlando moved on from Luis Muriel to open a Designated Player slot, and Charlotte may look to do the same with Liel Abada. Either team could push itself to be a genuine contender in the Eastern Conference, depending on its next steps.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to pause the MLS season from late May through mid-July, depth and adaptability will be critical across the Eastern Conference. As teams balance star signings, tactical chances, and financial flexibility, the race for the top of the East appears as competitive as ever.