Messi, Son, and Mukhtar Lead the Pack: Your 2026 MLS All-Star Game First XI Revealed Featuring the Biggest Names in Soccer
Major League Soccer has officially unveiled its First XI for the highly anticipated 2026 MLS All-Star Game, which is scheduled to take place this summer.
The initial list of names announced for the summer classic features prominent figures such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, and Hany Mukhtar, who will be competing against the Liga MX All-Stars on July 29.
The contest will be hosted at Charlotte FC's Bank of America Stadium, providing a platform for the most exceptional talents from both MLS and Liga MX to showcase their skills.
Notably, five of the selected First XI players will also be participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Messi, Son, Berhalter, Ream, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, which underscores the high caliber of players involved.
Furthermore, six of the First XI players have achieved a significant milestone by being named to their first-ever All-Star Game, highlighting the emergence of new talent in the league.
Real Salt Lake's standout player, Zavier Gozo, has become the second teenager to be named to the MLS All-Star Game in the last five editions, demonstrating his impressive abilities at a young age.
Gozo's impressive performance this season is evident in his six goals for RSL, which are currently tied for the club's top spot, while his five assists rank as the second-most for the team.
Cuypers has taken the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with an impressive 13 goals, closely followed by Messi, who has scored 12 goals of his own.
Son Heung-Min has made a significant impact with his nine assists, which are currently tied with San Diego FC's Andres Dreyer for the most in MLS play so far this season.
Additionally, Berhalter has demonstrated his skills with seven assists, placing him among the top outfield players in the league.
Brian Schwake has been named as the lone goalkeeper in the First XI, thanks to his outstanding performance in helping Nashville SC secure a top spot in the Supporters' Shield race.
Schwake's impressive record includes six clean sheets, which are tied for the second-most in MLS, while defender Andy Najar has played a crucial role in Nashville SC's defense, contributing to the team's achievement of allowing the fewest goals so far.
The selection of the First XI was determined through a combined voting process involving MLS fans, players, and media members.
A detailed breakdown of the First XI is as follows:
The goalkeeper position is held by Brian Schwake from Nashville SC.
The left back position is occupied by Anthony Markanich from Minnesota United FC.
The center back positions are filled by Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Chicago Fire FC and Tim Ream from Charlotte FC.
The right back position is held by Andy Najar from Nashville SC.
The defensive midfielder role is played by Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The attacking midfielders are Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake and Hany Mukhtar from Nashville SC.
The forwards are Hugo Cuypers from Chicago Fire FC, Son Heung-Min from LAFC, and Leo Messi from Inter Miami CF.
The initial list of names announced for the summer classic features prominent figures such as Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, and Hany Mukhtar, who will be competing against the Liga MX All-Stars on July 29.
The contest will be hosted at Charlotte FC's Bank of America Stadium, providing a platform for the most exceptional talents from both MLS and Liga MX to showcase their skills.
Notably, five of the selected First XI players will also be participating in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, including Messi, Son, Berhalter, Ream, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, which underscores the high caliber of players involved.
Furthermore, six of the First XI players have achieved a significant milestone by being named to their first-ever All-Star Game, highlighting the emergence of new talent in the league.
Real Salt Lake's standout player, Zavier Gozo, has become the second teenager to be named to the MLS All-Star Game in the last five editions, demonstrating his impressive abilities at a young age.
Gozo's impressive performance this season is evident in his six goals for RSL, which are currently tied for the club's top spot, while his five assists rank as the second-most for the team.
Cuypers has taken the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race with an impressive 13 goals, closely followed by Messi, who has scored 12 goals of his own.
Son Heung-Min has made a significant impact with his nine assists, which are currently tied with San Diego FC's Andres Dreyer for the most in MLS play so far this season.
Additionally, Berhalter has demonstrated his skills with seven assists, placing him among the top outfield players in the league.
Brian Schwake has been named as the lone goalkeeper in the First XI, thanks to his outstanding performance in helping Nashville SC secure a top spot in the Supporters' Shield race.
Schwake's impressive record includes six clean sheets, which are tied for the second-most in MLS, while defender Andy Najar has played a crucial role in Nashville SC's defense, contributing to the team's achievement of allowing the fewest goals so far.
The selection of the First XI was determined through a combined voting process involving MLS fans, players, and media members.
A detailed breakdown of the First XI is as follows:
The goalkeeper position is held by Brian Schwake from Nashville SC.
The left back position is occupied by Anthony Markanich from Minnesota United FC.
The center back positions are filled by Mbekezeli Mbokazi from Chicago Fire FC and Tim Ream from Charlotte FC.
The right back position is held by Andy Najar from Nashville SC.
The defensive midfielder role is played by Sebastian Berhalter from Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The attacking midfielders are Zavier Gozo from Real Salt Lake and Hany Mukhtar from Nashville SC.
The forwards are Hugo Cuypers from Chicago Fire FC, Son Heung-Min from LAFC, and Leo Messi from Inter Miami CF.
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