5 MLS Teams to Watch Closely Before the 2025 Club World Cup: Form, Pressure & Playoff Pushes
The Major League Soccer 2025 season is in full swing, with teams having completed over a dozen matches. While the regular season runs from February to October, the intensity varies depending on team form and objectives.
Right now, with the Club World Cup approaching in mid-June, the MLS landscape is revealing which clubs are true contenders, which are struggling, and which are entering a defining stretch. Below, we spotlight five MLS teams you should be watching over the next few weeks — whether they’re chasing glory, looking to bounce back, or facing mounting pressure.
⚽ 1. Vancouver Whitecaps: Chasing Continental Glory & Western Dominance
The Vancouver Whitecaps are entering one of the most critical stretches in club history. Set to face Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Cup Final on June 1, the Whitecaps are chasing a historic continental title. Even if they lose their surrounding league games, this match alone defines their season.
But they’re not losing. Vancouver sit near the top of the Western Conference standings, with a league-best defense based on expected goals against (xGA) and second in MLS for expected goal differential (xGD). Their aggressive, possession-driven style makes them both exciting and effective.
Key Fixtures: vs. Real Salt Lake, vs. Seattle, vs. Minnesota
Why Watch: Could become continental champions; elite form on both MLS and CCC fronts
💪 2. Philadelphia Union: Underrated, But Undeniably Elite
Despite low preseason expectations, the Philadelphia Union have emerged as legitimate Eastern Conference contenders. Tied at the top of the East, Philly’s numbers back up the hype: they’re third in xGD and first in PPDA, reflecting their intense pressing identity.
With a U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match and a showdown against Inter Miami looming, the next few weeks will test their depth, style, and staying power.
Why Watch: Exceptional tactics, promising young talent like 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan, and a shot at silverware
🛡️ 3. Minnesota United: The West’s Dark Horse
Minnesota United are one of the most balanced and tactically flexible sides in the league. Their defense ranks third in goals conceded and second in xGA. Their transition game is elite, and their ability to tweak systems mid-match gives them an edge.
If the Loons can diversify their attack and maintain their defensive discipline, they could easily finish in the top two of the Western Conference.
Why Watch: Defensive masterclass, strategic flexibility, and an open path to a top seed
⚠️ 4. Charlotte FC: Wilfried Zaha Under Pressure as Form Crumbles
Charlotte FC started strong but have now lost five straight MLS matches. The spotlight is squarely on Wilfried Zaha, the marquee signing who’s publicly voiced frustration but delivered little on the pitch. With just four goals (two from penalties) and declining creative metrics, Zaha must step up fast.
The club also needs more from other key players, including Patrick Agyemang, who hasn’t capitalized on his USMNT momentum. This upcoming run — including matches against Columbus, NY Red Bulls, Toronto, and Philadelphia — could determine whether Charlotte’s early promise fizzles out.
Why Watch: Big-name star in crisis, playoff hopes fading fast, pressure mounting weekly
⚙️ 5. Austin FC: Big Spending, Small Results
Despite a respectable 18 points from 14 matches, Austin FC are in danger of stagnating. The team has just one win in their last eight and one of the worst attacks in MLS, scoring only nine goals (2nd worst in the league).
High-profile signings like Myrto Uzuni and Osman Bukari have underperformed massively. Meanwhile, Brandon Vazquez stands as the lone consistent threat. With four key Western Conference games on the horizon, Austin’s next few weeks will make or break their 2025 campaign.
Why Watch: $30M attack misfiring, U.S. Open Cup ambitions, season at a turning point
🔥 Why These Weeks Matter in MLS 2025
While the MLS regular season is long, May and early June can be a decisive stretch — especially for teams juggling multiple competitions, underperforming stars, or thin margins in the standings. With the Club World Cup kicking off June 14, now’s the time to tune in.
