Real Salt Lake is gearing up for their 22nd MLS Season, and there are four big matchups RSL fans should watch for.
Real Salt Lake’s 2026 season, their 22nd, is set to kick off on February 21st at Vancouver. The Claret and Cobalt will begin another campaign that they hope will result in an MLS Cup. Real Salt Lake finished 9th in the Western Conference, and were eliminated by the Portland Timbers in the Wild Card Round. RSL has most of the players from last year available, however Johnny Russel, Diogo Gonsalves, and Rwan Cruz departing the Club for various reasons.
Real Salt Lake is a fun club to watch, with a particular brand of soccer I call Mountain Football. Fast-paced, direct, and attack-minded. It also helps that RSL’s America First Field is at 4,463 of elevation (second in MLS), and playing clubs from warmer climates near the start or the end of the season (like 2024’s controversial Snowmageddon match vs LAFC) gives RSL the advantage of a colder climate, which can cause snow and cold slowness, giving the RSL players have become accustomed to.
RSL always entertains, and every match is exciting. But like every year, there are a few matchups that stand out. From rivalry matches to playoff rematches, and first-time visits, there are always those matches that mean a little more. Real Salt Lake will have plenty to play for this year, with the ultimate goal being the MLS Cup. Let’s look at the four biggest matches that Claret and Cobalt fans should be extra excited for in the 2026 season.
4. Inter Miami
Real Salt Lake is hosting Inter Miami for the first time in America First Field history. The Claret and Cobalt fell 2-0 in Miami on February 21st, 2024. RSL will look to pack America First Field with loud, passionate fans, and give the Roar of the Wasatch, as I call it, giving them a distinct advantage. RSL can avenge their road loss of two years ago with a win on April 22nd.
3. Portland Timbers
As mentioned before, Real Salt Lake was eliminated from the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs by Portland. It was a frustrating 3-1 defeat where RSL did not have any answers for Portland in attack and defense. RSL did score an equalizer, but Portland dominated after that. Real Salt Lake wants to avenge the Wild Card loss, and they can do so on May 2nd and July 25th. The Chara brothers are good, and the Timbers Army is loud, but RSL has overcome both before, and they can do it again.
2. Sporting Kansas City
Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake have a bit of a rivalry going. Fueled by an MLS Cup Final in 2013 full of controversy, where Sporting Kansas City won 7-6 in penalties after a 1-1 regular time finish. RSL has been on the better end of the rivalry, and despite this, there is still plenty of tension and anger between these two clubs. RSL and SKC are looking forward to the meetings on April 5th in Sandy, and October 17th in KC.
1. Colorado Rapids
Now the moment everyone has been waiting for. It’s only fitting that RSL’s biggest rival is the biggest match on the schedule. Real Salt Lake historically had dominated the Rocky Mountain Cup rivalry, but Colorado has been the better side the last couple of years. RSL has to be composed if they want to win the Rocky Mountain Cup back. The two teams will meet in Utah on May 16th, and in Colorado on August 29th.
There are a lot of really good teams in Major League Soccer, and no disrespect is intended to clubs left off the list. These are just the four matches that I feel like should have the greatest interest of RSL fans. We are not far away now.
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