The 2026 FIFA World Cup: Unmissable MLS Storylines to Follow on the World's Biggest Stage
The Major League Soccer (MLS) is currently taking a brief hiatus, during which time a short tournament featuring national soccer teams will be held from June 11 to July 19, with matches taking place across various locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite the temporary pause in the MLS schedule, there are numerous intriguing storylines related to the league that fans can continue to follow and keep track of while awaiting the resumption of the 2026 season.
Let's begin by addressing the most obvious aspect: Lionel Messi and the reigning World Cup champions Argentina are likely to make one final attempt at this.
Lionel Messi has once again demonstrated his exceptional skills, solidifying his position as the best player in Major League Soccer this year. As the back-to-back recipient of the prestigious Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award, Messi has achieved an impressive record, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists for his team, the Herons, in just 14 matches.
However, he suffered a setback with a hamstring injury in his most recent Major League Soccer match and was forced to train separately during Argentina's initial training session in the United States. As a result, it is possible that he may not be at full strength, or 100% physically fit, at the beginning of his record sixth World Cup appearance. Nevertheless, he has a sufficient amount of time to recover and regain his fitness before Argentina's most crucial and high-stakes matches take place.
Can he, along with his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, provide the necessary power and drive to propel a team that is, for the most part, retaining the same roster as it had in 2022, and is attempting to achieve a historic feat by becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since the Brazilian team accomplished this in 1962?
The individual in question continues to establish and surpass numerous @FIFAWorldCup records, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. This ongoing trend of achieving remarkable milestones has sparked a significant amount of attention and discussion, as evident from the reaction expressed in the post, which is accompanied by a visual element accessible at pic.twitter.com/xr8r4qyBV7. Son Heung-Min has attained a revered status in South Korea, and it can be argued that he is the most beloved athlete in Asia, with his enormous popularity being comparable to that of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, who also enjoys a massive following in the region.
He is on the verge of participating in his fourth World Cup and currently holds the record as his country's most-capped player, having played in an impressive 145 matches. The forward for LAFC also has the potential to become the Taegeuk Warriors' all-time leading scorer, a notable achievement that would cement his position in the team's history. He has accumulated a total of 56 international goals, which places him just two goals behind the notable record held by Cha Bum-Kun, who has scored 58 goals.
The road ahead will not be straightforward, particularly in Group A, where they will be competing alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia, all of which are formidable opponents. However, with Son wearing the captain's armband and being backed by a strong and talented supporting cast, the South Korean team will have high aspirations and will be looking to make a significant impact in the tournament.
A fourth World Cup is on the horizon for Sonny, with the highly anticipated tournament being the next major milestone in his illustrious career. 🇰🇷South Korea captain and @LAFC forward Son Heung-Min is gearing up to showcase his exceptional skills once again, as he prepares to take the international stage by storm. pic.twitter.com/60pUggtyma
Since making his debut in Major League Soccer, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has consistently demonstrated glimpses of his incredible talent, which has catapulted him to becoming one of the league's most thrilling young players, and he has also established himself as a regular starter for the South African national team, a position he has held since the summer of 2025, solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of soccer.
Despite the fact that South Africa is facing steep odds, this appears to be a moment where the Chicago Fire FC center back could potentially catch the attention of numerous teams from around the world, which could have a significant impact on his career.
In a challenging group that includes Mexico, Czechia, and South Korea, earning a few points is not entirely out of the question, especially if Mbokazi is able to effectively showcase the exceptional speed and impressive defensive instincts that have earned him a prestigious First XI MLS All-Star selection, a distinction that highlights his remarkable skills and abilities as a player.
Cape Verde are undoubtedly one of the most remarkable stories to emerge from the tournament, having achieved a historic milestone in the world of football. When they initially qualified for the prestigious event, the African archipelago held the distinction of being the smallest country to have ever secured a spot in the World Cup, a notable feat that garnered significant attention. Although Curaçao currently holds this title, Cape Verde remains a team of serious underdogs, facing considerable challenges as they navigate the competition.
The team, which includes notable players such as Steven Moreira, a skilled defender from Columbus Crew, and CJ Dos Santos, a talented goalkeeper from San Diego FC, along with their fellow teammates, will undoubtedly exert every effort to pull off a major upset or possibly even multiple upsets, thereby leaving a lasting impact on the tournament.
It is anticipated that Moreira will be part of the starting lineup for the Blue Sharks, likely occupying a position along the defensive line, most probably as the right back, as they prepare to compete against a challenging group consisting of Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Haiti is poised to encounter significant difficulties in a group that includes prominent teams such as Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland, indicating that their journey will be an arduous one.
However, despite the formidable opposition they will be facing, Haiti is not intending to concede defeat without putting up a strong resistance and a fierce battle.
Philadelphia Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques is expected to play a crucial role in the team's efforts to surprise their groupmates. It is clear that he will be aiming for improved outcomes, at the very least, compared to the results he has achieved with the Union so far this year, but it seems reasonable to suggest that the lack of success cannot be attributed to his performance. On his day, Danley Jean Jacques proves to be a highly effective defensive midfielder, demonstrating his skills and abilities in this position.
In addition to Danley Jean Jacques, Toronto FC forward Derrick Etienne Jr. and FC Dallas forward Louicius Deedson are also potential contributors who are likely to make a significant impact for Les Grenadiers, bringing their individual strengths and talents to the team.
FC Dallas striker Petar Musa has successfully earned a spot on the Croatia roster through his unwavering determination and unrelenting effort.
He made his debut in Major League Soccer, specifically in MLS, in the year 2024, and since then, he has consistently demonstrated his impressive scoring ability, refusing to slow down. In his inaugural year, he managed to score an impressive 16 goals, and in the following year, he further improved his performance by scoring 18 times, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport. Then, in the year 2026, he achieved an extraordinary level of success, with his goal-scoring prowess reaching new heights. So far this year, he has already accumulated 12 goals in just 12 starts, and as a result, he is currently in contention for the league's prestigious Golden Boot award, which is presented by the renowned automobile manufacturer Audi.
The extent of his role for Croatia has not been determined at this point, with the same uncertainty surrounding Orlando winger Marco Pašalić, although he did participate in the starting lineup for their friendly match against Belgium earlier in the week.
It appears that Matt Freese, who plays for New York City FC, and Maxime Crépeau, who plays for Orlando City, are currently the primary goalkeepers, or No. 1s, for the United States and Canada, respectively.
Both teams are likely to encounter a substantial number of shots against the most formidable opponents in the tournament, which will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for them. Although they have not been performing at their highest level so far in 2026, it is evident that both teams are capable of delivering exceptional and match-altering performances when they are in top form and playing at their best. The most prestigious platform in the sport of soccer is now awaiting them, as the excitement builds up for the upcoming competition. Eight players from Major League Soccer are set to participate in the World Cup as part of the United States Men's National Team, which is a notable achievement and a testament to the talent and skill of these players.
To expand their scope, both the United States and Canada will be relying on crucial performances from their Major League Soccer players.
On the side of the United States Men's National Team, Charlotte's Tim Ream will be under significant pressure, not only as the USMNT captain but also likely as a starting center back in Mauricio Pochettino's back three formation. He will primarily be responsible for playing progressive passes and breaking through defensive lines, but there are concerns regarding his speed when it comes to transition defense, particularly given his age of 38 years. His role will be pivotal in determining whether the USMNT is able to live up to the expectations placed upon them in Group D, where they will be competing against teams such as Australia, Paraguay, and Türkiye.
At the same time, in the midfield area, the USMNT will require significant contributions from Sebastian Berhalter of Vancouver and Cristian Roldan of Seattle. Given that there are only four central midfielders included on the roster, it is likely that both Sebastian Berhalter and Cristian Roldan will receive meaningful playing time, allowing them to make a substantial impact on the team's performance.
For the Canadian team, Toronto FC fullback Richie Laryea and LAFC midfielder Stephen Eustáquio are expected to be key contributors, playing crucial roles in their team's success. As the vice-captain for Canada, Stephen Eustáquio will be a major determining factor in whether Canada can achieve a win in what appears to be a winnable Group B, where they will be competing against teams such as Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar.
The world stage is now awaiting the arrival of talented players, as eight MLS players are set to participate in the World Cup with the Canadian Men's National Team, @CANMNT_Official, and this exciting development is being highly anticipated globally. The news of the players' participation is being shared on social media, with a post on Twitter that includes a photo, accessible at pic.twitter.com/onREaVud4x, and is represented by the flags of Canada, 🇨🇦, symbolizing the country's presence in the international football scene, which is often represented by a globe, 🌎.
Miguel Almirón's return to Atlanta has not unfolded as initially planned, but despite this, he is still expected to be a regular starter for the Paraguay national team every time they take to the field. Additionally, it is anticipated that midfielder Matías Galarza will also
If you are not familiar with Alonso, the World Cup presents an ideal opportunity to become acquainted with him. He has been consistently linked to a potential transfer to Atlanta United during the summer, and he has even explicitly stated that he intends to join Major League Soccer. Alonso is expected to play a crucial role for the Paraguay national team, which predominantly employs a "low-block and counter" strategy, a tactic that could potentially lead to significant upsets in a group that includes the United States Men's National Team and Türkiye.
It would be an oversight to neglect mentioning that Paraguay, who are participating in their first World Cup since 2010, also boast the talents of Andrés Cubas from Vancouver and Braian Ojeda from Orlando in their midfield lineup. In particular, Cubas has the capability to be an absolute game-changer, possessing the skills and abilities to greatly influence the outcome of matches.
It is likely that Aiden O'Neill, a midfielder for NYCFC, will be a starter for the Australian team. We would not be surprised if Lucas Herrington, who is an 18-year-old center back playing for the Colorado Rapids, also secures a starting position. Additionally, Kai Trewin, who is a part of NYCFC, may also have the opportunity to contribute significant minutes to the team.
The Australian team, known as the Socceroos, are facing a challenging task in Group D, where they will be competing against the United States, Türkiye, and Paraguay. Their goal will be to advance to the knockout rounds, which would mark the third time in the history of the program that they have achieved this feat.
Lucas Herrington discusses his aspirations for the FIFA World Cup, highlighting the significance of friendships within the team, as well as the experience of playing alongside notable teammates, including Ale, and shares his thoughts as a member of the Socceroos. The FIFA World Cup has attracted a multitude of talented players, including several former MLS players who are now participating in this prestigious tournament, with many of them having a significant presence throughout the competition.
The United States and Canadian teams have evident connections, but it is also worth noting that Colombia boasts the presence of former Crew striker Cucho Hernández. Additionally, Curaçao features the skilled ex-Cincinnati striker Jurgen Locadia, as well as the experienced former Crew goalkeeper Eloy Room. Furthermore, former Revs winger Esmir Bajraktarević plays a crucial role for the Bosnia and Herzegovina team. Moreover, ex-Chicago midfielder Brian Gutiérrez and former Sounder Obed Vargas are currently part of the Mexican squad. Also, former Whitecaps midfielder Pedro Vite is representing Ecuador in the tournament.
The list of players with connections to various teams is indeed more extensive than what has been mentioned, but this gives you an opportunity to recall some of these individuals for a brief moment until the league resumes its activities.
From the @SoundersFC Academy to the world, Obed Vargas is now ready to make his name known with @miseleccionmx at the World Cup. 🇲🇽🌟 pic.twitter.com/Hj5V4sa59U
To stay up-to-date with the latest information from Major League Soccer, users can access a wide range of content, including league news, must-see matches, new kit releases, exclusive premium offers for the biggest event in the world, and much more.
Despite the temporary pause in the MLS schedule, there are numerous intriguing storylines related to the league that fans can continue to follow and keep track of while awaiting the resumption of the 2026 season.
Let's begin by addressing the most obvious aspect: Lionel Messi and the reigning World Cup champions Argentina are likely to make one final attempt at this.
Lionel Messi has once again demonstrated his exceptional skills, solidifying his position as the best player in Major League Soccer this year. As the back-to-back recipient of the prestigious Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award, Messi has achieved an impressive record, scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists for his team, the Herons, in just 14 matches.
However, he suffered a setback with a hamstring injury in his most recent Major League Soccer match and was forced to train separately during Argentina's initial training session in the United States. As a result, it is possible that he may not be at full strength, or 100% physically fit, at the beginning of his record sixth World Cup appearance. Nevertheless, he has a sufficient amount of time to recover and regain his fitness before Argentina's most crucial and high-stakes matches take place.
Can he, along with his Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, provide the necessary power and drive to propel a team that is, for the most part, retaining the same roster as it had in 2022, and is attempting to achieve a historic feat by becoming the first team to win back-to-back World Cup titles since the Brazilian team accomplished this in 1962?
The individual in question continues to establish and surpass numerous @FIFAWorldCup records, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. This ongoing trend of achieving remarkable milestones has sparked a significant amount of attention and discussion, as evident from the reaction expressed in the post, which is accompanied by a visual element accessible at pic.twitter.com/xr8r4qyBV7. Son Heung-Min has attained a revered status in South Korea, and it can be argued that he is the most beloved athlete in Asia, with his enormous popularity being comparable to that of MLB star Shohei Ohtani, who also enjoys a massive following in the region.
He is on the verge of participating in his fourth World Cup and currently holds the record as his country's most-capped player, having played in an impressive 145 matches. The forward for LAFC also has the potential to become the Taegeuk Warriors' all-time leading scorer, a notable achievement that would cement his position in the team's history. He has accumulated a total of 56 international goals, which places him just two goals behind the notable record held by Cha Bum-Kun, who has scored 58 goals.
The road ahead will not be straightforward, particularly in Group A, where they will be competing alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia, all of which are formidable opponents. However, with Son wearing the captain's armband and being backed by a strong and talented supporting cast, the South Korean team will have high aspirations and will be looking to make a significant impact in the tournament.
A fourth World Cup is on the horizon for Sonny, with the highly anticipated tournament being the next major milestone in his illustrious career. 🇰🇷South Korea captain and @LAFC forward Son Heung-Min is gearing up to showcase his exceptional skills once again, as he prepares to take the international stage by storm. pic.twitter.com/60pUggtyma
Since making his debut in Major League Soccer, Mbekezeli Mbokazi has consistently demonstrated glimpses of his incredible talent, which has catapulted him to becoming one of the league's most thrilling young players, and he has also established himself as a regular starter for the South African national team, a position he has held since the summer of 2025, solidifying his status as a rising star in the world of soccer.
Despite the fact that South Africa is facing steep odds, this appears to be a moment where the Chicago Fire FC center back could potentially catch the attention of numerous teams from around the world, which could have a significant impact on his career.
In a challenging group that includes Mexico, Czechia, and South Korea, earning a few points is not entirely out of the question, especially if Mbokazi is able to effectively showcase the exceptional speed and impressive defensive instincts that have earned him a prestigious First XI MLS All-Star selection, a distinction that highlights his remarkable skills and abilities as a player.
Cape Verde are undoubtedly one of the most remarkable stories to emerge from the tournament, having achieved a historic milestone in the world of football. When they initially qualified for the prestigious event, the African archipelago held the distinction of being the smallest country to have ever secured a spot in the World Cup, a notable feat that garnered significant attention. Although Curaçao currently holds this title, Cape Verde remains a team of serious underdogs, facing considerable challenges as they navigate the competition.
The team, which includes notable players such as Steven Moreira, a skilled defender from Columbus Crew, and CJ Dos Santos, a talented goalkeeper from San Diego FC, along with their fellow teammates, will undoubtedly exert every effort to pull off a major upset or possibly even multiple upsets, thereby leaving a lasting impact on the tournament.
It is anticipated that Moreira will be part of the starting lineup for the Blue Sharks, likely occupying a position along the defensive line, most probably as the right back, as they prepare to compete against a challenging group consisting of Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Haiti is poised to encounter significant difficulties in a group that includes prominent teams such as Brazil, Morocco, and Scotland, indicating that their journey will be an arduous one.
However, despite the formidable opposition they will be facing, Haiti is not intending to concede defeat without putting up a strong resistance and a fierce battle.
Philadelphia Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques is expected to play a crucial role in the team's efforts to surprise their groupmates. It is clear that he will be aiming for improved outcomes, at the very least, compared to the results he has achieved with the Union so far this year, but it seems reasonable to suggest that the lack of success cannot be attributed to his performance. On his day, Danley Jean Jacques proves to be a highly effective defensive midfielder, demonstrating his skills and abilities in this position.
In addition to Danley Jean Jacques, Toronto FC forward Derrick Etienne Jr. and FC Dallas forward Louicius Deedson are also potential contributors who are likely to make a significant impact for Les Grenadiers, bringing their individual strengths and talents to the team.
FC Dallas striker Petar Musa has successfully earned a spot on the Croatia roster through his unwavering determination and unrelenting effort.
He made his debut in Major League Soccer, specifically in MLS, in the year 2024, and since then, he has consistently demonstrated his impressive scoring ability, refusing to slow down. In his inaugural year, he managed to score an impressive 16 goals, and in the following year, he further improved his performance by scoring 18 times, showcasing his remarkable talent and dedication to the sport. Then, in the year 2026, he achieved an extraordinary level of success, with his goal-scoring prowess reaching new heights. So far this year, he has already accumulated 12 goals in just 12 starts, and as a result, he is currently in contention for the league's prestigious Golden Boot award, which is presented by the renowned automobile manufacturer Audi.
The extent of his role for Croatia has not been determined at this point, with the same uncertainty surrounding Orlando winger Marco Pašalić, although he did participate in the starting lineup for their friendly match against Belgium earlier in the week.
It appears that Matt Freese, who plays for New York City FC, and Maxime Crépeau, who plays for Orlando City, are currently the primary goalkeepers, or No. 1s, for the United States and Canada, respectively.
Both teams are likely to encounter a substantial number of shots against the most formidable opponents in the tournament, which will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge for them. Although they have not been performing at their highest level so far in 2026, it is evident that both teams are capable of delivering exceptional and match-altering performances when they are in top form and playing at their best. The most prestigious platform in the sport of soccer is now awaiting them, as the excitement builds up for the upcoming competition. Eight players from Major League Soccer are set to participate in the World Cup as part of the United States Men's National Team, which is a notable achievement and a testament to the talent and skill of these players.
To expand their scope, both the United States and Canada will be relying on crucial performances from their Major League Soccer players.
On the side of the United States Men's National Team, Charlotte's Tim Ream will be under significant pressure, not only as the USMNT captain but also likely as a starting center back in Mauricio Pochettino's back three formation. He will primarily be responsible for playing progressive passes and breaking through defensive lines, but there are concerns regarding his speed when it comes to transition defense, particularly given his age of 38 years. His role will be pivotal in determining whether the USMNT is able to live up to the expectations placed upon them in Group D, where they will be competing against teams such as Australia, Paraguay, and Türkiye.
At the same time, in the midfield area, the USMNT will require significant contributions from Sebastian Berhalter of Vancouver and Cristian Roldan of Seattle. Given that there are only four central midfielders included on the roster, it is likely that both Sebastian Berhalter and Cristian Roldan will receive meaningful playing time, allowing them to make a substantial impact on the team's performance.
For the Canadian team, Toronto FC fullback Richie Laryea and LAFC midfielder Stephen Eustáquio are expected to be key contributors, playing crucial roles in their team's success. As the vice-captain for Canada, Stephen Eustáquio will be a major determining factor in whether Canada can achieve a win in what appears to be a winnable Group B, where they will be competing against teams such as Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar.
The world stage is now awaiting the arrival of talented players, as eight MLS players are set to participate in the World Cup with the Canadian Men's National Team, @CANMNT_Official, and this exciting development is being highly anticipated globally. The news of the players' participation is being shared on social media, with a post on Twitter that includes a photo, accessible at pic.twitter.com/onREaVud4x, and is represented by the flags of Canada, 🇨🇦, symbolizing the country's presence in the international football scene, which is often represented by a globe, 🌎.
Miguel Almirón's return to Atlanta has not unfolded as initially planned, but despite this, he is still expected to be a regular starter for the Paraguay national team every time they take to the field. Additionally, it is anticipated that midfielder Matías Galarza will also
If you are not familiar with Alonso, the World Cup presents an ideal opportunity to become acquainted with him. He has been consistently linked to a potential transfer to Atlanta United during the summer, and he has even explicitly stated that he intends to join Major League Soccer. Alonso is expected to play a crucial role for the Paraguay national team, which predominantly employs a "low-block and counter" strategy, a tactic that could potentially lead to significant upsets in a group that includes the United States Men's National Team and Türkiye.
It would be an oversight to neglect mentioning that Paraguay, who are participating in their first World Cup since 2010, also boast the talents of Andrés Cubas from Vancouver and Braian Ojeda from Orlando in their midfield lineup. In particular, Cubas has the capability to be an absolute game-changer, possessing the skills and abilities to greatly influence the outcome of matches.
It is likely that Aiden O'Neill, a midfielder for NYCFC, will be a starter for the Australian team. We would not be surprised if Lucas Herrington, who is an 18-year-old center back playing for the Colorado Rapids, also secures a starting position. Additionally, Kai Trewin, who is a part of NYCFC, may also have the opportunity to contribute significant minutes to the team.
The Australian team, known as the Socceroos, are facing a challenging task in Group D, where they will be competing against the United States, Türkiye, and Paraguay. Their goal will be to advance to the knockout rounds, which would mark the third time in the history of the program that they have achieved this feat.
Lucas Herrington discusses his aspirations for the FIFA World Cup, highlighting the significance of friendships within the team, as well as the experience of playing alongside notable teammates, including Ale, and shares his thoughts as a member of the Socceroos. The FIFA World Cup has attracted a multitude of talented players, including several former MLS players who are now participating in this prestigious tournament, with many of them having a significant presence throughout the competition.
The United States and Canadian teams have evident connections, but it is also worth noting that Colombia boasts the presence of former Crew striker Cucho Hernández. Additionally, Curaçao features the skilled ex-Cincinnati striker Jurgen Locadia, as well as the experienced former Crew goalkeeper Eloy Room. Furthermore, former Revs winger Esmir Bajraktarević plays a crucial role for the Bosnia and Herzegovina team. Moreover, ex-Chicago midfielder Brian Gutiérrez and former Sounder Obed Vargas are currently part of the Mexican squad. Also, former Whitecaps midfielder Pedro Vite is representing Ecuador in the tournament.
The list of players with connections to various teams is indeed more extensive than what has been mentioned, but this gives you an opportunity to recall some of these individuals for a brief moment until the league resumes its activities.
From the @SoundersFC Academy to the world, Obed Vargas is now ready to make his name known with @miseleccionmx at the World Cup. 🇲🇽🌟 pic.twitter.com/Hj5V4sa59U
To stay up-to-date with the latest information from Major League Soccer, users can access a wide range of content, including league news, must-see matches, new kit releases, exclusive premium offers for the biggest event in the world, and much more.
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