For the most part, the Vancouver Whitecaps have had a good start to their 2026 season.
They currently have a 5-0-1 record, which puts them second in the Western Conference and Supporters Shield with 15 points, just behind LAFC’s 16.
Of course, that doesn’t mean Vancouver didn’t have difficulties. They got knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 by the Seattle Sounders 5-1 on aggregate. The Whitecaps have also had to deal with several injuries.
Nonetheless, Jesper Sørensen’s team is heading in the right direction and is among MLS’s elite. Here are three early-season takeaways.
#1: Sebastian Berhalter is making an early case for MLS MVP
Sebastian Berhalter was named the Whitecaps player of the Year in 2025. He is making a very strong case for repeating.
The American international has led the way for Vancouver. He is solid defensively, very creative and can score goals. In six MLS games, Berhalter has scored three goals and tallied two assists.
The game-winning goal last Saturday against the Portland Timbers is a great example to show people why Berhalter is integral to the Whitecaps and one of the best midfielders in MLS. He started it with a huge tackle in the defensive half and then scored the winner. That is the epitome of a box-to-box midfielder. And to think he only cost Vancouver $50,000 in GAM, what a steal. Berhalter truly is the metronome of this team.
Berhalter is already getting shouts for MLS MVP. It makes sense considering he is fifth in MLS in Chances Created and fourth in expected assists.
However, his future with the Whitecaps remains unclear. Berhalter’s contract is up at the end of the year, and he is linked with English Championship clubs Derby County, Watford and Norwich City, where former Whitecap and Canadian international Ali Ahmed plays.
Given that Berhalter is a contender to make the US World Cup squad, it seems like he will be leaving the Whitecaps after the tournament, especially if he excels. Enjoy him while you can.
#2: The Whitecaps have been solid defensively, and it starts with Yohei Takaoka
Yes, they were poor defensively in the first leg against Seattle in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal, and there have been rough moments at the back at times. But for the most part, the Whitecaps have been solid defensively.
In MLS, Vancouver has conceded just four goals, which is the fifth fewest. Three out of those four goals were screamers. The Portland Timbers have scored three out of those four goals the Whitecaps have given up.
The ‘Caps have conceded the least amount of expected goals in MLS at 3.8. It also helps that they have been one of the best teams in terms of tackles this season.
They average 19.3 tackles per match, which is tied for second in MLS. The likes of reigning MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon, Mathias Laborda, Ralph Priso (Who unfortunately is out with a hamstring strain for eight to ten weeks and his Canada World Cup hopes are in serious doubt), Tate Johnson, Edier Ocampo, Andres Cubas (when healthy and it seems he is again) and Berhalter have been doing great with their tackles and defensive play.
However, a team’s defence starts with the goalkeeper. Yohei Takaoka continues to prove he is one of the MLS’s top shot-stoppers. When he is needed, he is there to make the saves. He has three clean sheets so far this season.
The Japanese goalkeeper doesn’t face a lot of shots, but his 73.3% save percentage is ninth in MLS. Takaoka is also known for being good with his feet, and his long balls down the pitch have been on point. The assist to Ocampo against Portland last Saturday is a good example.
The Whitecaps are also getting reinforcements on the back line as Ranko Veselinovic and Sam Adekugbe have been training with the first team, as they suffered long-term injuries last season.
#3: The Attack Has Been Good But Also…Has Some Issues
First of all, the Whitecaps have one of the best attacks in MLS this season.
They have scored 17 goals in MLS, and that leads the league. They also lead the lead in xG (15.6) and big chances. (27) The blue and white are also second in touches in the opposition box (203), third in accurate passes per match (5.5), and shots on target per match. (6.7) .
So Vancouver’s attack seems to be firing on all cylinders. So what is the issue?
Well, for starters, there were times when the attack looked timid. They struggled against low blocks, particularly against Seattle and the San Jose Earthquakes. The overall play in the final third could be better, but it seems to be improving.
There were times when they seemed hesitant to shoot, or there were too many passes in and around the box.
It also seems the chemistry between all the attackers isn’t there yet. AZ has had his moments, but could be more consistent. Cheikh Sabaly is still settling in, and Emmanuel Sabbi hasn’t found his late 2025 form. Kenji Cabrera is also lacking the attacking output when he comes on. Thomas Müller even had some moments where he made poor passes, missed chances and was chasing his first touch, while Brian White looked isolated at times.
It seems the Whitecaps are missing the speed and tenacity that Ahmed had. However, if Bruno Caicedo’s appearance off the bench against Portland is a preview of what he can do, then the Whitecaps attack gets an extra boost. Plus, a healthy Ryan Gauld would also help.
The Whitecaps attack has the pieces, and it will click sooner or later. It has been good so far, but it can be even better. They’ll figure it out.
This is the story so far of the 2026 Whitecaps, and the story continues this Saturday against New York City FC at BC Place.
