The 2026 MLS season will see dozens of players head to the World Cup.

The anticipation has been building for years, but the wait is almost over. The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico is just months away.

From MLS originals like Landon Donovan and Marco Etcheverry to modern superstars like Lionel Messi, these are the 12 players who most defined greatness in MLS—by peak, trophies, records and lasting impact.

Major League Soccer opens its 31st season this weekend, kicking off one of the most consequential two-year stretches in the league’s history.

Saturday's MLS kickoff marks the start of a journey as players tackle the demands of a club season with the hopes of cracking a World Cup roster in several months' time

NEW YORK (Wednesday, December 17, 2025) – Major League Soccer today released the list of players eligible for Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Process, which will take place later today, Wednesday, December 17. The Re-Entry Draft, Stage 2 is conducted in the same ...

Nashville SC kicks off its 2026 MLS season with high expectations after a successful 2025. Get to know the key players and challenges ahead.

MLS commissioner Don Garber summed this up well during his state of the league address in December, saying, "We'd love to say that [the World Cup is] the rocket fuel, but this jet has been running for 30 years, and it's going to run for another 30."

On the eve of the new Major League Soccer season, MLS Commissioner Don Garber has expressed his interest in Real Madrid superstars Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé eventually becoming part of the league and playing their club soccer in North America.

MLS-based players face unique challenges if they want to book a World Cup roster spot.

Charlotte FC saw its best season to date in 2025. Many returners, and some newcomers, will play a big role in 2026.