The 2026 MLS All-Star Game is set to showcase the league’s top talent as Major League Soccer faces off against the Liga MX All-Stars. While the official MLS First XI has already been announced, several late roster changes mean the lineup on matchday will differ from the original selections.
Here’s a look at the official First XI, the notable absences, and the players added to the squad ahead of one of the biggest events on the MLS calendar.
Official 2026 MLS All-Star First XI
The fan-, player-, and media-selected MLS First XI features a blend of league veterans, rising stars, and international superstars.
Goalkeeper
- Brian Schwake – Nashville SC
Defenders
- Anthony Markanich – Minnesota United FC
- Tim Ream – Charlotte FC
- Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Chicago Fire FC
- Andy Najar – Nashville SC
Midfielders
- Sebastian Berhalter – Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC
- Zavier Gozo – Real Salt Lake
Forwards
- Son Heung-min – LAFC
- Hugo Cuypers – Chicago Fire FC
- Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF
Why the MLS Starting Lineup Has Changed
Although the First XI represents the league’s top vote-getters, several players will not participate in the match.
The biggest absence is Lionel Messi, who was ruled out after being granted additional rest following his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Chicago Fire striker Hugo Cuypers is also unavailable after completing a transfer to Liga MX side Monterrey.
Meanwhile, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi will miss the match due to injury, and midfielder Rodrigo De Paul was also withdrawn from the roster for rest.
MLS All-Star Replacements
To fill the vacant roster spots, MLS announced four replacement players:
- Philip Zinckernagel – Chicago Fire FC
- Yannick Bright – Inter Miami CF
- Guilherme – Houston Dynamo FC
- Andrés Cubas – Vancouver Whitecaps FC
These additions ensure the MLS squad remains loaded with talent despite the late withdrawals.
Has the Official Starting Lineup Been Released?
As of the latest update, Major League Soccer has announced the official First XI and replacement roster, but the final matchday starting lineup has not yet been officially confirmed.
Managers often make last-minute adjustments based on player availability, fitness, and tactical considerations before kickoff.
MLS vs. Liga MX All-Stars
The annual MLS All-Star Game has become one of North America’s premier soccer showcases, bringing together the best players from Major League Soccer and Liga MX in a rivalry that has continued to grow in intensity.
This year’s match features a mix of established stars, emerging young talent, and several international standouts, making it one of the most anticipated editions of the event.
2026 MLS All-Star First XI
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Brian Schwake | Nashville SC |
| Defender | Anthony Markanich | Minnesota United FC |
| Defender | Tim Ream | Charlotte FC |
| Defender | Mbekezeli Mbokazi* | Chicago Fire FC |
| Defender | Andy Najar | Nashville SC |
| Midfielder | Sebastian Berhalter | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
| Midfielder | Hany Mukhtar | Nashville SC |
| Midfielder | Zavier Gozo | Real Salt Lake |
| Forward | Son Heung-min | LAFC |
| Forward | Hugo Cuypers* | Chicago Fire FC |
| Forward | Lionel Messi* | Inter Miami CF |
*Did not participate due to injury, transfer, or rest.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 MLS All-Star First XI has been officially announced.
- Lionel Messi will not play after receiving additional rest following the FIFA World Cup.
- Hugo Cuypers, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Rodrigo De Paul are also unavailable.
- MLS added Philip Zinckernagel, Yannick Bright, Guilherme, and Andrés Cubas as replacements.
- The final starting lineup is expected to be announced closer to kickoff.