Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass) – Sunday Night Soccer

Team Overview

Atlanta United host Sporting Kansas City in a matchup of two sides near the bottom of their respective conferences. Atlanta sit around 15th in the East with 18 points (5-12-3), while Sporting Kansas City are near the foot of the West with 15 points (4-13-3). Both teams are fighting to climb the table and generate positive momentum late in the regular season.

Current Weather Forecast (Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Atlanta area)

Sunny to mostly sunny. Highs around 90–91°F, cooling into the upper 60s to low 70s°F by evening. Northwest winds 5–10 mph. Dry conditions with low precipitation chances—warm and pleasant for a night match under the stadium roof if closed, or open-air conditions.

Injury Reports

Atlanta United FC

Limited major absences in the most recent reports for this fixture (core attackers including Aleksey Miranchuk and Miguel Almirón generally available). Monitor any late updates for depth players.

Sporting Kansas City

Several players listed out in broader reports (e.g., potential absences involving Manu Garcia, Erik Thommy, or others in some contexts). Dejan Joveljić remains a primary available threat. Confirm the latest official Player Status Report closer to kickoff.

Key Players & Current Roster Focus

Atlanta United FC

Aleksey Miranchuk: Leading contributor (~5 goals, 6–7 assists).

Miguel Almirón: Club legend and key creator/scorer.

Supporting midfield and attacking pieces; recent form has shown improved results.

Sporting Kansas City

Dejan Joveljić: Leading scorer (~8 goals).

Supporting attackers and midfield creators (e.g., options around Harris).

Struggling for consistency and defensive solidity overall.

Projected setups often feature Atlanta looking to control possession at home and Sporting KC aiming to stay organized and counter. Exact lineups confirmed closer to kickoff.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Aleksey Miranchuk / Miguel Almirón vs. Sporting KC midfield/defense: Atlanta’s creative duo against a Sporting side that has conceded heavily.

Dejan Joveljić vs. Atlanta defense: Sporting’s top finisher looking to exploit any spaces on the road.

Midfield control and transitions: The team that wins second balls and progresses cleanly will hold the edge in what could be an open contest.

Set pieces: Important given both teams’ need for goals and potential vulnerabilities.

Recent Team Forms

Atlanta United FC: Positive recent form with consecutive wins (including victories over New York Red Bulls and Minnesota United). Showing signs of a mini-resurgence.

Sporting Kansas City: Poor overall form with multiple recent losses or draws. Defensive issues have been a season-long concern.

Series History

Limited recent meetings but competitive historically. Atlanta have taken results in some past encounters (including a 3-1 win in one prior matchup). Expect a contest influenced more by current form than deep rivalry history.

Betting Trends

Home teams in lower-table matchups often hold the edge. Both sides have conceded freely at times, supporting overs, though Atlanta’s recent defensive improvements could temper pure chaos.

MATCH ODDS

Sporting Kansas City       + 360

Atlanta United FC            – 150

Draw                                     + 325

Over 3 – 125                       Under 3 + 105

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 22, 2026

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Team Overview

New England Revolution sit in solid Eastern Conference position (around 4th) with a 10-7-3 record and strong home form at Gillette Stadium. New York City FC are mid-table (around 7th) at 7-8-5 and looking to climb. This is an Eastern Conference rivalry matchup and part of the regular season slate as both sides push for playoff positioning.

Current Weather Forecast (Gillette Stadium / Foxborough area)

Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers (around 50% chance) and possible patchy fog. Highs around 77–78°F, humid. Lows in the low-to-mid 60s°F. Light east/southeast winds around 5 mph. Expect overcast, potentially damp conditions that could affect the pitch and tempo.

Injury Reports

New England Revolution

Limited major absences in the most recent Matchday reports for this fixture (some earlier notes mentioned players like Eric Klein or others; core group including Carles Gil largely available). Monitor final updates.

New York City FC

Several players listed out in recent reports, including depth options and some key contributors in broader injury lists (e.g., leg-related absences for players such as Nico Cavallo, Malachi Jones, Keaton Parks in some contexts). Nicolás Fernández remains a primary threat. Confirm latest status closer to kickoff.

Key Players & Current Roster Focus

New England Revolution

Carles Gil: Creative hub and goal contributor (~7 goals).

Supporting attackers and midfielders; solid home defensive structure.

Strong overall balance and home advantage.

New York City FC

Nicolás Fernández: Leading scorer (~13 goals).

Supporting creators such as Agustín Ojeda and midfield options.

Capable of high-output attacking performances but inconsistent results recently.

Projected setups often feature New England in a structured possession or balanced system and NYCFC looking to counter or control midfield. Exact lineups confirmed closer to kickoff.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Carles Gil / New England creators vs. NYCFC midfield/defense: Gil’s vision and set-piece threat against the visitors’ structure.

Nicolás Fernández vs. New England defense: NYCFC’s top scorer looking to exploit spaces on the road.

Midfield battle and transitions: Control of the center will dictate whether New England dominates at home or NYCFC finds counter opportunities.

Set pieces: Important given both teams’ aerial and dead-ball capabilities, especially in potentially wet conditions.

Recent Team Forms

New England Revolution: Positive recent result with a 3-0 win over D.C. United. Strong at home and collecting points consistently in the East.

New York City FC: Mixed-to-poor recent form, including consecutive losses. Have shown scoring ability but defensive and consistency issues.

Series History

Competitive Eastern Conference rivalry. All-time series is relatively balanced (New England holds a slight home edge in some tallies). Recent meetings have been tight, with New England taking a 2-0 home win in one prior encounter and NYCFC winning on the road in others. Goals are common in the matchup.

Betting Trends

Home teams in this rivalry often perform well, supporting New England. Both sides score regularly, favoring overs or Both Teams to Score. Weather may slightly temper pure end-to-end action.

MATCH ODDS

New York City FC              + 190

New England Revolution              + 130

Draw                                     + 275

Over 3 + 115                      Under 3 – 135

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 22, 2026

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. EDT)
Venue: PayPal Park, San Jose, California
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Team Overview

San Jose Earthquakes host Minnesota United in a Western Conference clash. The Earthquakes sit in solid playoff position (around 4th–5th in the West) with a 10-7-3 record. Minnesota United are mid-to-lower table (around 11th) at 6-7-7 and looking to climb. This is a key inter-division matchup as both sides battle for positioning.

Current Weather Forecast (PayPal Park / San Jose area)

Partly cloudy in the morning becoming sunny. Highs around 80°F, cooling into the upper 50s to around 60°F by evening. Northwest winds 5–15 mph. Dry conditions with no significant precipitation expected—comfortable evening temperatures for the match.

Injury Reports

San Jose Earthquakes

Nonso Adimabua (lower body – out)

Earl Edwards Jr. (lower body – out)

DeJuan Jones (lower body – out)

Ronaldo Vieira (lower body – out)

Reid Roberts (injured in some reports)
Core attackers including Preston Judd remain available.

Minnesota United FC

Bongokuhle Hlongwane (knee – out)

Peter Stroud (lower extremity – out)

Nicolas Romero / Kieran Chandler (injured in reports)

Nectarios Triantis (injured in some lists)
Kelvin Yeboah is a key available threat.

Key Players & Current Roster Focus

San Jose Earthquakes

Preston Judd: Leading scorer (~11 goals).

Supporting creators such as Niko Tsakiris.

Strong home attacking output and set-piece threat.

Minnesota United FC

Kelvin Yeboah: Primary goal scorer (~8 goals).

Joaquín Pereyra and midfield creators.

Capable of generating chances but inconsistent results recently.

Projected setups typically feature San Jose in an attacking-oriented system and Minnesota looking to stay compact and counter. Exact lineups confirmed closer to kickoff.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Preston Judd vs. Minnesota defense: Judd’s finishing and movement against a Loons back line that has conceded regularly.

Kelvin Yeboah vs. San Jose defense: Minnesota’s top scorer looking to exploit any spaces on the road.

Midfield control and transitions: Both teams can score; the side that wins second balls and progresses cleanly will hold the edge.

Set pieces: Important given both sides’ aerial and dead-ball threats.

Recent Team Forms

San Jose Earthquakes: Struggling recently with a losing streak (multiple consecutive MLS losses in some reports). Still strong overall at home and possess high scoring potential.

Minnesota United FC: Mixed form, including recent draws and losses. Have shown the ability to score but consistency remains an issue.

Series History

Minnesota holds a historical edge in the all-time series in some tallies, but recent meetings have been competitive with goals. Home advantage at PayPal Park has often been significant for San Jose. Expect an open contest based on past encounters.

Betting Trends

Home teams in this matchup often score, supporting overs. San Jose’s home form and attacking talent favor the hosts, while Minnesota’s road scoring ability keeps the underdog live. foxsports.com

MATCH ODDS

Minnesota United FC     + 200

San Jose Earthquakes    + 120

Draw                                     + 295

Over 3 – 130                       Under 3 + 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 21, 2026

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. EDT)
Venue: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Team Overview

San Diego FC host the Colorado Rapids in a Western Conference matchup. Colorado sit around 8th in the West with a 9-10-1 record and enter on a strong defensive run. San Diego are lower in the table (around 12th–13th) at 6-8-6 but possess home advantage and capable attackers. This is the second meeting of the 2026 season; Colorado won the earlier encounter 1-0. Both sides are fighting for positioning in a competitive conference.

Current Weather Forecast (Snapdragon Stadium / San Diego area)

Saturday: Patchy fog in the morning, becoming mostly sunny to partly cloudy. Highs around 87–90°F (coastal areas cooler, mid-to-upper 80s near the stadium), cooling into the upper 60s to low 70s°F by evening. West winds 5–10 mph. Dry conditions with no significant precipitation expected—pleasant for a night match.

Injury Reports

San Diego FC

Limited major absences in the most recent reports for this matchup (some sources note a relatively clean bill).

Monitor any late updates for depth players (e.g., Kieran Sergeant lower body in some lists). Marcus Ingvartsen and Anders Dreyer are expected to be available.

Colorado Rapids

Josh Atencio (knee – out in some reports; available after suspension in others)

Zack Steffen (shoulder – out)

Kimani Stewart-Baynes (lower leg/ankle – out)

Jackson Travis (ankle – out)

Theodore Ku-DiPietro (shoulder – out)

Billo Diop / Mamadou Billo Diop (knee – out)

Miguel Navarro (head – out in recent notes)
Rafael Navarro remains a key available threat.

Key Players & Current Roster Focus

San Diego FC

Marcus Ingvartsen: Leading scorer (~11 goals).

Anders Dreyer: Primary creator and secondary threat.

Supporting midfield and attacking pieces such as Gabriel Pirani and Aníbal Godoy.

Home energy at Snapdragon Stadium is a factor.

Colorado Rapids

Rafael Navarro: Leading scorer (~10 goals) and focal point.

Paxten Aaronson: Key midfield creator.

Supporting attackers including Dante Sealy.

Strong recent defensive organization (multiple consecutive shutouts).

Projected setups often feature San Diego in a 4-3-3 and Colorado in a 4-2-3-1 or similar. Exact lineups confirmed closer to kickoff.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Marcus Ingvartsen vs. Colorado defense: San Diego’s top scorer against a Rapids back line that has been stingy lately.

Rafael Navarro vs. San Diego defense: Colorado’s clinical finisher looking to continue his form on the road.

Midfield battle (Aaronson/Dreyer influence): Control of the center and chance creation will be decisive.

Transitions and set pieces: Both teams can punish mistakes; home crowd support may tilt physical duels toward San Diego.

Recent Team Forms

San Diego FC: Mixed results, including a recent loss (e.g., to Portland in some reports). Capable of scoring but inconsistent defensively. Looking to climb the table at home.

Colorado Rapids: Excellent recent form with three straight shutout wins (including results against strong Western sides). Defensive solidity has been the hallmark of their surge.

Series History

Limited sample but competitive. Colorado won the most recent meeting 1-0 earlier in 2026. Prior encounters have been tight, with home advantage often playing a role. Goal totals have varied.

Betting Trends

Colorado’s shutout streak supports unders or low-scoring road results, while San Diego’s home attack and Ingvartsen’s form favor the hosts or overs. Home underdogs/favorites in mid-table Western games can offer value.

MATCH ODDS

Colorado Rapids               + 264

San Diego FC                      + 105

Draw                                     + 275

Over 3 – 115                       Under 3 – 105

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 21, 2026

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. PT (10:30 p.m. EDT)
Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Team Overview

Los Angeles FC sit in the upper half of the Western Conference (around 3rd–4th) with a 10-7-4 record and strong home form at BMO Stadium. The Portland Timbers are mid-to-lower table in the West (around 9th–10th) at 8-9-3 but have shown improved results recently under new leadership. This is the second meeting of the 2026 season; Portland won the earlier encounter 2-1. Both clubs are playoff-oriented sides looking to build momentum.

Current Weather Forecast (BMO Stadium / Los Angeles area)

Areas of low clouds and fog in the morning, becoming sunny to partly cloudy. Highs in the mid-to-upper 90s°F inland (around 90–94°F near the stadium area), cooling into the upper 60s to low 70s°F by evening. Southwest winds around 10–15 mph in the afternoon. Dry conditions with no significant precipitation expected—warm but comfortable for a night match.

Injury Reports

Los Angeles FC

Sergi Palencia (leg/groin – out)

Thomas Hasal (arm – out)

Igor Jesus (leg – out)

David Martínez (leg – out)
Hugo Lloris is expected to be available/return in goal for this match after recent management.

Portland Timbers

Alexander Aravena (hip – out)

Alex Bonetig (upper body – out)

Brandon Bye (leg/ACL – longer-term out in some reports)

Juan Mosquera (foot/ankle – out)
Core attackers including Kevin Kelsy and Kristoffer Velde remain available.

Key Players & Current Roster Focus

Los Angeles FC

Denis Bouanga: Leading scorer (~10 goals).

Son Heung-Min: Key creator and secondary threat (strong assist numbers).

Supporting cast including Timothy Tillman and defensive organizers; Hugo Lloris in goal (league leader in clean sheets).

High-quality attacking talent capable of unlocking defenses at home.

Portland Timbers

Kevin Kelsy: Primary goal threat (~9 goals).

Kristoffer Velde: Creative force and recent standout (contributed heavily in latest win).

Midfield and defensive pieces such as David da Costa and Kamal Miller (availability monitored).

Improved organization and attacking output under recent coaching changes.

Projected setups often feature LAFC in a 4-3-3 and Portland in a 4-2-3-1 or similar flexible shape. Exact lineups confirmed closer to kickoff.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Denis Bouanga / Son Heung-Min vs. Portland defense: LAFC’s star attackers against a Timbers back line that has been tested on the road.

Kevin Kelsy / Kristoffer Velde vs. LAFC defense: Portland’s attacking duo looking to exploit any spaces or transitions against the Black & Gold.

Midfield control: LAFC’s ability to dominate possession and progress the ball versus Portland’s counter-attacking threat.

Set pieces and wide areas: Both teams generate chances from the flanks and dead balls; home crowd energy at BMO Stadium could amplify LAFC’s edge.

Recent Team Forms

Los Angeles FC: Winless in their last three MLS matches (including consecutive 1-0 losses). Still strong overall at home and possessing high-end talent. Looking to snap the skid in front of their fans.

Portland Timbers: Positive recent form, including a 3-1 win over San Diego FC. Won four of their last six MLS matches in some reports and showing improvement under new coaching. Road form remains a challenge.

Series History

Competitive Western Conference rivalry. Portland won the most recent meeting 2-1 earlier in 2026. All-time regular-season results are relatively balanced (LAFC holds a slight edge in some tallies, especially at home). Matches often feature goals and intensity.

Betting Trends

LAFC’s strong home record and quality attackers support the favorite, while Portland’s recent scoring form and the earlier upset keep the underdog live. Home favorites in this matchup often cover or win, with overs common when both attacks are clicking.

MATCH ODDS

Portland Timbers             + 415

Los Angeles FC                  – 175

Draw                                     + 385

Over 3.5 + 110                  Under 3.5 – 130

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 21, 2026

Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. PT (9:30 p.m. EDT)
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver, British Columbia
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Team Overview

Vancouver Whitecaps sit near the top of the Western Conference (around 2nd–3rd) with a strong 11-4-4 record and solid home form. FC Dallas are competitive in the West (around 5th) at 9-5-6 and have shown they can score goals, led by a prolific striker. This is the second meeting of the 2026 season; Vancouver won the earlier encounter 3-2. Both sides are playoff contenders in a competitive conference.

Current Weather Forecast (BC Place / Vancouver area)

Mostly cloudy with a 60% chance of showers (risk of a thunderstorm in the afternoon). Highs around 69°F (21°C), cooling into the upper 50s to low 60s°F by evening. Southeast winds around 5 mph. Cooler, damp conditions expected—possible slippery surface and lower-scoring influence if rain intensifies.

Injury Reports

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Brian White (hamstring – out; key scorer with ~10 goals)

Ranko Veselinović (knee – out)

Kwasi Poku (hamstring – out)

Belal Halbouni (knee – out)

Kenji Cabrera (foot – out)

Aleksa Cvetković and others listed as out in some reports.

FC Dallas

Daniel (hamstring/lower body – out)

Anderson Julio (lower leg – out)

Additional depth concerns possible (e.g., goalkeeper or defensive notes in broader lists). Petar Musa is available and central to the attack.

Key Players & Current Roster Focus

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Supporting attackers and creators step up with Brian White sidelined (Sebastian Berhalter has contributed recently).

Strong overall structure and home advantage at BC Place.

Depth in midfield and defense remains competitive despite absences.

FC Dallas

Petar Musa: League-leading or top scorer (~16 goals) — the primary threat.

Supporting cast including Sam Sarver and midfield creators.

Capable of high-scoring outputs and solid on the road at times.

Projected setups typically feature Vancouver in a balanced or possession-oriented system and Dallas looking to exploit transitions with Musa as the focal point. Exact lineups confirmed closer to kickoff.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Petar Musa vs. Vancouver defense: Musa’s movement, finishing, and hold-up play against a Whitecaps back line missing key pieces.

Vancouver creators vs. Dallas midfield/defense: How the hosts generate chances without their top scorer.

Midfield control and transitions: Both teams can score in bunches; the side that wins second balls and progresses the ball cleanly will hold the edge.

Set pieces: Important given potential weather impact and both teams’ aerial threats.

Recent Team Forms

Vancouver Whitecaps: Strong overall but coming off a recent home loss (0-1 to Houston Dynamo in some reports). Still among the West’s elite with good home results.

FC Dallas: Competitive and capable of big offensive outputs. Have shown resilience on the road during a demanding stretch of away games.

Series History

Competitive Western Conference matchup. Vancouver won the most recent meeting 3-2 earlier in 2026. Historical results at BC Place have often favored the home side, though Dallas has taken points there in the past (including a Decision Day win in one prior note). Overall series is relatively balanced with goals expected.

Betting Trends

Home favorites in the West with strong records often cover or win, but absences (especially White) and weather can open the door for underdogs or overs. Dallas’s attacking output, led by Musa, supports Both Teams to Score or higher totals when they travel.

MATCH ODDS

FC Dallas                              + 550

Vancouver Whitecaps FC              – 210

Draw                                     + 385

Over 3 – 130                       Under 3 + 110

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 21, 2026

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. CT (8:30 p.m. EDT)
Venue: Energizer Park (CITYPARK), St. Louis, Missouri
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Team Overview

Houston Dynamo sit near the top of the Western Conference (around 1st–2nd) with a strong record and an impressive defensive run. St. Louis CITY SC are mid-table in the West (around 6th–7th) but enter on a lengthy unbeaten streak and with solid home form. This is the first regular-season meeting of 2026 between the two Western Conference sides (they previously met in the U.S. Open Cup). Both teams are in strong form, setting up a competitive clash of streaks.

Current Weather Forecast (Energizer Park / St. Louis area)

Sunny to mostly sunny. Highs around 86–87°F during the day, cooling into the upper 60s to low 70s°F by evening/kickoff. Northwest winds 5–10 mph. Very low chance of precipitation—excellent conditions for the match with comfortable evening temperatures.

Injury Reports

St. Louis City SC

Célio Pompeu (knee – out)

Kyle Hiebert (hip – out)

Brendan McSorley (ankle – out)
Core group, including goalkeeper Roman Bürki and attackers like Simon Becher, largely available.

Houston Dynamo FC

Limited major absences in the most recent reports for this matchup (some earlier notes referenced Jimmy Maurer or others, but many sources indicate a relatively clean bill).

Monitor any late updates for depth players.

Key Players & Current Roster Focus

St. Louis City SC

Simon Becher: Leading attacker (~4 goals + assists contributions).

Chris Durkin and midfield creators (e.g., Daniel Edelman, Eduard Löwen).

Strong home defensive organization and transition play; Roman Bürki in goal.

High-energy, physical style typical of the club.

Houston Dynamo FC

Guilherme: Primary goal threat and recent form standout.

Mateusz Bogusz and Jack McGlynn (key creator).

Excellent recent defensive structure (multiple consecutive clean sheets).

Balanced attack and midfield control.

Projected setups often feature St. Louis in a high-pressing 3-4-1-2 or similar and Houston in a structured 4-1-4-1 or compact mid-block. Exact lineups confirmed closer to kickoff.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Guilherme / Houston attack vs. St. Louis defense: Houston’s clinical finishers against a CITY SC back line that has been solid during their unbeaten run.

Simon Becher and St. Louis attackers vs. Houston’s stingy defense: Can the hosts break a Dynamo side that has kept multiple consecutive clean sheets?

Midfield battle (Durkin/Edelman vs. McGlynn/Artur): Control of the center will dictate tempo and transition opportunities.

Set pieces and physical duels: Both teams thrive in high-intensity, aerial contests—home crowd energy could amplify this.

Recent Team Forms

St. Louis CITY SC: Strong unbeaten run (around 11 matches across competitions in some reports), including a recent 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City. Solid home record and consistent scoring.

Houston Dynamo FC: Excellent form with five straight shutout wins (including a 1-0 victory at Vancouver). Sitting near the top of the West and showing elite defensive organization.

Series History

Competitive Western Conference rivalry. Recent meetings have been tight, with a 2-2 U.S. Open Cup draw earlier in 2026 (St. Louis advanced on penalties). Home games at Energizer Park have often produced goals, and the all-time series is relatively balanced. St. Louis has a strong historical home record against Houston.

Betting Trends

Houston’s elite defensive streak (five consecutive clean sheets) supports unders or low-scoring games. St. Louis’s home form and unbeaten run give them value as slight home favorites or in the double-chance market. Interconference or intra-West games with strong defensive sides often stay under.

MATCH ODDS

Houston Dynamo FC       + 245

St. Louis City SC                + 115

Draw                                     + 260

Over 2.5 – 120                   Under 2.5 – 100

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 21, 2026

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. CT (8:30 p.m. EDT)
Venue: GEODIS Park, Nashville, Tennessee
TV/Streaming: Apple TV (MLS Season Pass)

Team Overview

Nashville SC sit atop the Supporters’ Shield standings (and the overall table) with an outstanding 14-2-4 record and a significant points lead. They are excellent at home and one of the league’s strongest defensive sides. Columbus Crew are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, dealing with injuries and inconsistent results. This is the second meeting of the 2026 season; Nashville won the first encounter 1-0 earlier in the year.

Current Weather Forecast (GEODIS Park / Nashville area)

Sunny to mostly sunny. Highs around 92°F, with comfortable evening temperatures falling into the low-to-mid 70s°F by kickoff and overnight. Northwest winds 5–10 mph. Low precipitation chance—excellent conditions for soccer with minimal weather disruption expected.

Injury Reports

Nashville SC

Warren Madrigal (lower body – out)
Limited additional absences; core group including Sam Surridge, Hany Mukhtar, and Cristian Espinoza largely available.

Columbus Crew

Wessam Abou Ali (knee/ACL – out for the season)

Sekou Bangoura (ankle – out)

Rudy Camacho (foot/thigh – out)

Jamal Thiare (lower leg – out)

Other depth concerns noted in some reports. The Crew have been heavily impacted by the loss of key attacking pieces (including prior departures).

Key Players & Current Roster Focus

Nashville SC

Sam Surridge: Leading scorer (~12 goals).

Hany Mukhtar: Creative talisman with strong historical production against Columbus.

Cristian Espinoza: Key provider of chances and assists.

Solid defensive structure (league-low goals conceded) and midfield depth (including returns like Patrick Yazbek in recent notes).

Columbus Crew

Remaining attackers and midfielders will need to step up significantly with top scorers sidelined.

Brooks Lennon and other wide/defensive contributors.

The squad has been forced to adapt without several primary offensive threats.

Projected setups typically feature Nashville in a structured, possession-oriented or balanced system under BJ Callaghan, while Columbus will likely look to stay compact and counter. Exact lineups confirmed closer to kickoff.

Key Player vs. Player Matchups

Sam Surridge / Hany Mukhtar vs. Columbus defense: Nashville’s attacking duo against a Crew back line that has conceded regularly.

Cristian Espinoza’s creativity vs. Columbus midfield: Chance creation and progressive play will test how well Columbus can disrupt Nashville’s build-up.

Nashville’s defensive unit (including standout center-back performances) vs. Columbus’s depleted attack: The home side’s ability to limit high-quality chances should be decisive.

Set pieces and transitions: Nashville’s organization on both sides of the ball gives them a clear edge.

Recent Team Forms

Nashville SC: Excellent form, including a recent 1-0 shutout win over the New York Red Bulls. Strong home record (around 9-0-1) and league-best defensive numbers. Looking for a third straight win and to extend their Supporters’ Shield lead.

Columbus Crew: Struggling — failed to win in four of their last five and poor on the road (around 1-6-3). Heavily affected by injuries and departures of key attackers.

Series History

Nashville holds a slight edge in the all-time series (roughly 4 wins to 3, with competitive goal tallies). They are undefeated in their last three meetings dating back to 2025 and won the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier in 2026. Hany Mukhtar has been particularly productive in the matchup historically.

Betting Trends

Nashville dominate at home and as heavy favorites against lower-table sides. Their elite defense supports unders or low-scoring home wins, while Columbus’s road struggles and missing attackers limit upset potential. Home favorites with strong defensive records often cover or win comfortably in these spots.

MATCH ODDS

Columbus Crew SC          + 385

Nashville SC                       – 150

Draw                                     + 320

Over 3 + 130                      Under 3 – 150

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 21, 2026