Which North American soccer league is superior? Is it Major League Soccer of the U.S. or Mexico’s Liga MX?
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That question will once again be answered during the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, which will feature the best talents in America battling the best of Liga MX.
It’s the third straight year of the head-to-head format, which returned after the MLS All-Stars fell to Premier League side Arsenal 5-0 in 2023.
Liga MX won 4-1 in 2024 before MLS claimed the bragging rights in 2025 with a 3-1 triumph.
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So, when is the 2026 clash and which players are involved? Here’s everything to know:
When is the 2026 MLS All-Star Game?
The game is set for Wednesday, July 29.
What time is the 2026 MLS All-Star Game?
Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Where is the 2026 MLS All-Star Game?
Charlotte FC will host the action for the first time at the Bank of America Stadium.
Is Lionel Messi playing in the MLS All-Star Game?
No. For the second straight year, Messi will not partake in the game. He was suspended last season for skipping out, but will not be punished this year as Argentina recently fell in the World Cup final. The Argentine star is still resting and has not returned to Inter Miami.
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MLS roster for 2026 All-Star Game
Here are the players the MLS will have in Charlotte:
Goalkeepers
- Maxime Crépeau – Orlando City | Coach’s selection
- Matt Freese – New York City | Coach’s selection
- Brian Schwake – Nashville SC | Voted in
Defenders
- Max Arfsten – Columbus Crew | Coach’s selection
- Lucas Herrington – Colorado Rapids | Coach’s selection
- Richie Laryea – Toronto FC | Commissioner’s pick
- Anthony Markanich – Minnesota United | Voted in
- Steven Moreira – Columbus Crew | Coach’s selection
- Daniel Munie – San Jose Earthquakes | Coach’s selection
- Andy Najar – Nashville SC | Voted in
- Jackson Ragen – Seattle Sounders | Coach’s selection
- Tim Ream – Charlotte FC | Voted in
Midfielders
- Sebastian Berhalter – Vancouver Whitecaps | Voted in
- Pep Biel – Charlotte FC | Coach’s selection
- Yannick Bright – Inter Miami | Coach’s selection
- Andrés Cubas – Vancouver Whitecaps | Coach’s selection
- Evander – FC Cincinnati | Coach’s selection
- Carles Gil – New England Revolution | Coach’s selection
- Zavier Gozo – Real Salt Lake | Voted in
- Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC | Voted in
- Thomas Müller – Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Coach’s selection
- Ashley Westwood – Charlotte FC | Coach’s selection
Forwards:
- Anders Dreyer – San Diego FC | Coach’s selection
- Guilherme – Houston Dynamo | Coach’s selection
- Julian Hall – Red Bull New York | Commissioner’s pick
- Son Heung-Min – LAFC | Voted in
- Petar Musa – FC Dallas | Coach’s selection
- Sam Surridge – Nashville SC | Coach’s selection
- Philip Zinckernagel – Chicago Fire | Coach’s selection
Head coach: Dean Smith, Charlotte FC
Liga MX 2026 All-Star Game roster
And here’s how Mexico’s top flight will look:
Goalkeepers
- Carlos Acevedo – Santos Laguna
- Carlos Moreno – CF Pachuca
Defenders
- Omar Campos – Cruz Azul
- Willer Ditta – Cruz Azul
- Jesús Gallardo – Toluca FC
- Jesús Garza – Tigres UANL
- Bruno Méndez – Toluca FC
- Federico Pereira – Toluca FC
- Luis Gabriel Rey – Chivas Guadalajara
- Israel Reyes – Club América
- Nathan Silva – Pumas UNAM
Midfielders
- Juan Brunetta – Tigres UANL
- Iker Fimbres – CF Monterrey
- Fernando Gorriarán – Tigres UANL
- Erik Lira – Cruz Azul
- Elías Montiel – CF Pachuca
- José Paradela – Cruz Azul
- Carlos Rodríguez – Cruz Azul
- Franco Romero – Toluca FC
- Javier Ruiz – Necaxa
Forwards
- Kevin Castañeda – Chivas Guadalajara
- Alexei Domínguez – CF Pachuca
- Salomón Rondón – CF Pachuca
- Robert Morales – Pumas UNAM
Head coach: Antonio Mohamed, Toluca FC