2026 MLS All-Star Roster Gains Momentum with Messi, Son, and U.S. Stars; World Cup Excitement Builds in U.S.

The 2026 MLS All-Star game is shaping up to be a star-studded spectacle, with the first wave of selections revealing a roster that blends global icons and U.S. national team talents. Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, and U.S. stars Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter headline the initial 11 picks for the July 29 showcase in Charlotte, N.C., where MLS will face Liga MX. Meanwhile, the looming 2026 World Cup in the U.S. has sparked renewed optimism among fans and broadcasters, with legends like Andrés Cantor predicting an "unavoidable" cultural shift for the sport.

Messi, Son, and the All-Star Lineup

The MLS All-Star selections dropped a familiar name: Lionel Messi. The Inter Miami icon, 39, is set for his third All-Star appearance since joining MLS in 2023, though his participation remains uncertain after he sat out last year’s game. His inclusion is a nod to his enduring global appeal, even as his age raises questions about on-field viability. Alongside Messi is LAFC’s Son Heung-min, making his first All-Star roster after a standout 2025 season. The South Korean star’s presence adds another layer of international prestige to the event.

Two U.S. national team stalwarts—Charlotte FC defender Tim Ream and Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter—also made the cut, reflecting the league’s commitment to showcasing homegrown talent. Ream, a veteran of two World Cups, and Berhalter, the U.S. captain’s younger brother, provide a bridge between MLS and the national team’s 2026 ambitions.

The final 26-man roster will blend fan votes, coach selections, and commissioner’s picks. Mbekezeli Mbokazi of Charlotte led the fan vote, becoming the second South African to earn an All-Star nod. The game will feature a skills challenge on July 28, with the All-Star match against Liga MX promising to be a highlight of the summer.

World Cup Fever and the Road to 2026

While the All-Star game sets its sights on Charlotte, the 2026 World Cup is already casting a long shadow over American soccer. Legendary broadcaster Andrés Cantor, who will call his 12th consecutive World Cup for CBS, predicts the upcoming tournament will significantly elevate the profile of soccer in the U.S.