MLS Stars Shine: Record World Cup Turnout Expected

The 2026 World Cup, scheduled to unfold across 16 cities in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, is anticipated to see a record number of players from Major League Soccer (MLS). This expansion, featuring 104 games, significantly increases the league's global footprint.

In 2022, MLS achieved a then-record 35 players participating in the World Cup. The 2026 tournament is expected to surpass this figure due to the World Cup's own growth and MLS's expansion.

While the U.S. and Canadian men's national teams are projected to field the most MLS talent, other nations will also draw from the league's rosters. Nearly every MLS club has a potential representative on the world stage.

Notable players like Atlanta United's veteran Paraguayan, Austin FC's Torres, and CF Montréal's Prince Owusu are highlighted for their potential World Cup call-ups. Veteran USMNT defenders Tim Ream and Miles Robinson are also strong contenders, with Ream potentially starting against Paraguay.

Young talent like Chicago Fire's Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Colorado Rapids' Lucas Herrington are expected to feature for South Africa and Australia, respectively. Steven Moreira of the Columbus Crew is a key player for World Cup debutants Cabo Verde, while D.C. United's Kye Rowles is a likely starter for Australia.

FC Cincinnati's Petar Musa is identified as a top Croatian forward, and Inter Miami's Dayne St. Clair is a strong candidate for Canada's starting goalkeeper. LA Galaxy's Joseph Paintsil has a chance for Ghana, and LAFC's Son Heung-min is a crucial player for South Korea.

Minnesota United's James Rodríguez remains a key leader for Colombia, while Nashville SC's Woobens Pacius represents Haiti. New England Revolution's Matt Turner and New York City FC's Matt Freese are strong contenders for the USMNT goalkeeping roles.

Red Bulls New York's Jahkeale Marshall-Rutty could feature for Canada, and Orlando City's Maxime Crépeau is set for his first World Cup with Canada. Philadelphia Union's Danley Jean Jacques leads Haiti, and Portland Timbers' Finn Surman represents New Zealand.

Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna has an outside shot at the USMNT, and San Diego FC's Aníbal Godoy is likely to return for Panama. Houston Dynamo's Jack McGlynn has an outside chance for the USMNT, while Seattle Sounders' Cristian Roldan is a strong possibility for the U.S. squad.

Sporting Kansas City's Zorhan Bassong has a chance with Canada, and St. Louis CITY SC's Lukas MacNaughton could make the Canadian squad due to injuries. Toronto FC's Derrick Etienne Jr. is expected to be part of Haiti's squad, and Vancouver Whitecaps' Andrés Cubas is a vital player for Paraguay.