Ranking the favourites to win the 2024 MLS Cup | OneFootball

The 2024 Major League Soccer season is reaching its business end with the MLS Cup playoffs underway.

Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles FC in last year’s final to take the trophy, a third success for the franchise with only two teams having ever won more titles. Can The Crew defend the MLS Cup this time around? Or will there be a new name on the trophy?

For those interested in soccer betting we’ve looked at the five favourites to win the 2024 MLS Cup.

Ranking the favourites to win the 2024 MLS Cup

Columbus Crew – 16/1

Last season’s winners, Columbus Crew are backed as fifth favourites. Wilfried Nancy’s side finished second in the Eastern Conference with the second-best record overall to qualify for the post-season and take on New York Red Bulls in the Round One best-of-three series.

Former Watford forward Cucho Hernández will lead their charge and the 25-year-old has 25 goals in all competitions this season. However, The Crew lost their first encounter with the Red Bulls and must win the other two ties of the series to keep their defence of the trophy alive.

FC Cincinnati – 11/1

FC Cincinnati finished third in the Eastern Conference to reach the post-season play-offs and lead New York City ahead of their second meeting of the Round One best-of-three series.

Now 30, Luciano Acosta remains the key figure for the side with the 2023 MLS Most Valuable Player still going strong with 11 goals and an MLS-leading 19 assists in 2024. Supporters’ Shield winners in 2023, Cincinnati are targeting a first-ever MLS Cup in 2024.

LA Galaxy – 9/2

The Galaxy are MLS’s most successful side with five MLS Cup wins, though it’s been a decade since their last success.

Greg Vanney’s team lack the star power of old that saw names such as David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic turn out at Dignity Health Sports Park but qualified for the post-season comfortably. A second-placed finish in the Western Conference was confirmed, behind only Los Angeles FC on goal difference.

A 5-0 thrashing of Colorado in their first Round One tie was a statement of intent.

Los Angeles FC – 4/1

Los Angeles FC have their sights set on a second MLS Cup in three seasons, after topping the Western Conference table.

Denis Bouanga has been one of the finds of recent transfer windows for MLS, having scored 66 goals over the last two seasons. Winner of the 2023 MLS Golden Boot, the Gabon international finished as runner-up for the award in 2024.

With World Cup winners Hugo Lloris and Olivier Giroud also on board, LAFC have the quality to take the title.

Inter Miami – 6/5

Inter Miami are red-hot favourites to add the MLS Cup to the Supporters’ Shield won in 2024.

It’s been a brilliant watch at Chase Stadium this season, as ex-Barcelona greats Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba have lit up American football.

The Herons boasted comfortably the best record in either Conference and edged out Atlanta United to take control of their Round One series.

Messi’s magical performances have seen the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner score 20 goals and provide 16 assists, with Suarez also scoring 20 times. Inter Miami will be tough to stop in their quest for a first MLS Cup.

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