The Major League Soccer (MLS) season kicked off with a noteworthy spectacle, and who better to start things off than the clever Thomas Müller? The German star, now playing for the Vancouver Whitecaps, made a playful promise before his team’s season opener in 2026, assuring that they would defeat Real Salt Lake. And, in a hilarious turn of events, he kept his word.
At 36 years old, Müller is experiencing his first full season in the MLS, after leading the Whitecaps to the Western Conference title and the MLS Cup final in 2025. Anticipating the clash against their conference rivals, the player made sure to joke with MLS reporters on Apple TV, stating, “We are definitely going to win tonight,” and expressing his hope to be able to laugh about it a few hours later. And so it was: after 90 minutes of intense action, the Whitecaps emerged victorious with a solitary goal from new signing AZ Jackson, securing a 1-0 win in front of over 23,000 enthusiastic fans at BC Place.
Although Müller did not score, he came close to contributing to the outcome, with a shot that hit the post and was vital in the team’s pressure to maintain their lead. This victory was a much-needed relief for Vancouver fans, who are facing a critical situation regarding the club’s future and the stadium deal, with the threat of relocation looming over the team as early as 2027.
Before the start of the match, fans showed powerful support for the club by unfurling a banner that read: “The club means so much to so many, the Whitecaps belong to Vancouver,” a clear message directed at the club’s management, the local government, and MLS about the team’s historical significance in the city.
On the field, the Whitecaps demonstrated that they have not lost the momentum from last season, keeping their aspirations high for 2026, including achievements in MLS, the Concacaf Champions Cup, the Canadian Championship, and the Leagues Cup. Coach Jesper Sørensen praised the victory after the match, stating: “It was a very good win for us. It wasn’t the prettiest, but it was a very, very good win. The mentality of the players is always excellent, but we are still finding our rhythm.”
Müller, for his part, addressed the preseason issue casually. His adaptation to the Whitecaps was quick and intense in 2025, participating in the push for the MLS playoffs and the rigors of the postseason tournament, which culminated in a defeat to Inter Miami in the MLS Cup final. However, the veteran did not consider the preseason critical to his success, even with the team spending most of their time in Marbella, Spain, alongside other MLS clubs. “To be honest, it wasn’t hard to join the team. I can’t really say that a full preseason is better than coming into a team in the last four or five months,” Müller said. “When I look back, I think a preseason wasn’t really necessary to have great success.”
Although he does not see preseason as essential for himself, the player acknowledged its importance for the team and the new signings. “I hope we can build from the start of the season on what we created last year, but you never know. It’s always something new. Some new players have arrived, others have left. I’m a bit excited, a little nervous, but that’s good.”
With the victory in the opening match of the season secured, the Whitecaps are now preparing for a crucial challenge in the Concacaf Champions Cup against C.S. Cartaginés from Costa Rica, followed by a showdown against Canadian rivals Toronto FC in the second week of MLS action. The season promises to be exciting and full of surprises for the fans of the Vancouver team.
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