Austin FC kick off their 2026 MLS campaign at Q2 Stadium against Minnesota United, igniting a rivalry that has delivered tight battles and momentum swings in recent seasons.
Despite Austin’s edge in possession and passing last year, it was Minnesota’s direct, high-powered attack that shone—setting the stage for an intriguing opener. With both clubs eager to set the tone for the new season, this clash could offer early clues about who will challenge for Playoff spots in the Western Conference.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on last season’s offensive trends—Minnesota United outscoring Austin by 22 goals and boasting two double-digit scorers—our top prediction leans toward the visitors’ attack making the difference. Yet, Austin’s home advantage and improved squad depth cannot be overlooked. Here are our top betting recommendations for this matchup. We’re particularly confident in both teams finding the net, given the attacking firepower and defensive vulnerabilities on display last year.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Sportsbook | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams to Score – Yes | -120 @ Bet365 (54.6%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Strong value: Minnesota averaged 1.6 goals, Austin 1.1 last season; both leaky at the back. |
| Minnesota United FC to Win | +160 @ Bet365 (38.5%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Backed by superior scoring (61 goals in 2025) and positive head-to-head record. |
| Over 2.5 Total Goals | -105 @ Bet365 (51.2%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Defenses conceded 51 (Austin) and 47 (Minnesota) last season; expect open play. |
| Kelvin Kwarteng Yeboah Anytime Scorer | +240 @ Bet365 (29.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yeboah netted 9 goals with a 58.1% shot accuracy in 2025. |
Our approach: Start with Both Teams to Score – Yes, add Minnesota United to win for parlay potential.
Odds correct at the time of writing.
Season Form & Standings
The following table reflects the 2025 MLS Regular Season standings, providing context for each team’s campaign before this season opener. Minnesota United finished fourth in the Western Conference, thanks to a well-balanced attack and a superior defensive record. Austin FC, meanwhile, secured sixth, relying on possession-based play but struggling for end-product. Austin exited in round one of the MLS Cup Playoffs, while the Loons only made it to the Western Conference semifinals, adding fuel to their 2026 ambitions.
2025 MLS Western Conference Standings
| Team | Pos | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota United FC | 4 | 34 | 16 | 10 | 8 | 56 | 39 | 17 | 58 |
| Austin FC | 6 | 34 | 13 | 8 | 13 | 37 | 45 | -8 | 47 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Kelvin Yeboah (Minnesota United FC) – Nine goals with a 58.1% shot accuracy across 2025. Averaged nearly one shot on target per game, a constant threat in transition.
- Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC) – 10 goals in 2025, with direct running and high involvement in big chances created (team-best 75 for Minnesota).
- Owen Wolff (Austin FC) – Led Austin with seven goals and eight assists last year, also delivering 65 big chance assists and driving most of Austin’s creative play.
- Myrto Uzuni (Austin FC) – Chipped in six goals, often Austin’s most direct outlet when chasing a result.
All stats above from the 2025 MLS regular season.
Head-to-Head: Last 10 Meetings
Minnesota United hold a narrow historical edge in this matchup, with five wins to Austin’s four in their last 11 meetings, and two draws. The battles have often been close, but MNUFC dominated the most recent contest at Q2 Stadium.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| May 25, 2025 | Minnesota United FC 1-1 Austin FC | MLS |
| May 4, 2025 | Austin FC 0-3 Minnesota United FC | MLS |
| Jun 23, 2024 | Minnesota United FC 0-1 Austin FC | MLS |
| Feb 25, 2024 | Austin FC 1-2 Minnesota United FC | MLS |
| Jul 9, 2023 | Minnesota United FC 1-4 Austin FC | MLS |
| Jun 1, 2023 | Austin FC 2-1 Minnesota United FC | MLS |
| Aug 21, 2022 | Minnesota United FC 2-1 Austin FC | MLS |
| Apr 11, 2022 | Austin FC 1-0 Minnesota United FC | MLS |
| Oct 17, 2021 | Austin FC 0-1 Minnesota United FC | MLS |
| Jun 24, 2021 | Minnesota United FC 2-0 Austin FC | MLS |
Austin FC vs Minnesota United Prediction
Will Austin FC’s possession game finally unlock Minnesota United’s defense, or will the visitors’ more clinical, multi-threat attack continue to dictate the head-to-head narrative? With Owen Wolff and Myrto Uzuni leading the charge for the hosts, and Kelvin Yeboah and Anthony Markanich offering a potent counter for Minnesota, this opener promises fireworks. Our top selection: Both Teams to Score – Yes at -120 with Bet365 (54.6% implied probability)—expect goals at both ends in a contest that tends to deliver.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
More MLS stats and standings: MLS standings 2026 | Top scorers | Assist leaders | Full MLS stats hub