NEW YORK, NY — Featuring global superstars, emerging young talents, and five players who will be competing at the FIFA World Cup 2026, Major League Soccer recently announced the First XI players named to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime roster. Selected through a combined vote of MLS fans, players, and media members, the First XI highlights the standout performers from the first part of the MLS regular season. The 11 players include icons like Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF) and Son Heung-Min (LAFC), alongside breakout young talents such as Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC).
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime in Charlotte, N.C., will see the MLS All-Stars take on a team of All-Stars from Mexico’s top soccer league, LIGA MX, on Wednesday, July 29 (8 p.m. ET) at Charlotte FC’s Bank of America Stadium.
2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime First XI:
- Goalkeeper (1): Brian Schwake (Nashville SC)
- Left Back (1): Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC)
- Center Backs (2): Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC) and Tim Ream (Charlotte FC)
- Right Back (1): Andy Najar (Nashville SC)
- Defensive Midfielder (1): Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Attacking Midfielders (2): Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake) and Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC)
- Forwards (3): Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC), Son Heung-Min (LAFC), and Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF)
Earlier this week, Major League Soccer announced the First XI players named to the 2026 MLS All-Star Game – Image Credit: Major League Soccer
The First XI features five individuals who have officially been called up to FIFA World Cup 2026 – Sebastian Berhalter (United States), Son Heung-Min (South Korea), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa), Leo Messi (Argentina) and Tim Ream (United States).
Led by the most fan votes of any player, Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC) becomes the second South African player selected to an MLS All-Star Game roster in league history (Doctor Khumalo in 1996). Additionally, LAFC’s Son Heung-Min becomes the second South Korean player to be named an All-Star, joining his current national team head coach and former LA Galaxy defender Hong Myung-Bo (2003).
Atop the Supporters’ Shield standings and on a record pace in 2026, Nashville SC led all clubs with three First XI selections, while Chicago Fire FC had two players selected to the roster.
Of the 11 players, five have previously been selected as MLS All-Stars – Sebastian Berhalter (2025), Leo Messi (2024-25), Hany Mukhtar (2022-25), Andy Najar (2025), and Tim Ream (2011). The six first-time All-Stars include three domestic products – Zavier Gozo, Anthony Markanich, and Brian Schwake – along with three international signings – Hugo Cuypers, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Son Heung-Min. At 19 years old, Gozo becomes just the second teenager to be selected to an MLS All-Star Game in the last five editions, joining Obed Vargas (2025).
To complete the MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime roster, the remaining 15 selections will consist of 13 players chosen by MLS All-Star head coach Dean Smith of the host club, Charlotte FC, and two players selected by MLS Commissioner Don Garber. The full MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime roster will be announced at a later date.
The highly anticipated match marks the first-ever All-Star Game played at Bank of America Stadium, and will be broadcast live on MLS on Apple TV in English, Spanish, and French.
Tickets On Sale
Tickets for the MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime and the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T are on sale at MLSsoccer.com/AllStar.
Information Courtesy of Major League Soccer
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