MLS All-Star Game 2026 Betting Odds, Rosters & Match Preview

The stars will be out at the 2026 MLS All-Star Game. Although Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will not be taking part due to Argentina’s World Cup run, Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller will both be suiting up for the MLS. The MLS All-Star Game will feature 29 MLS All-Stars facing 28 Liga MX All-Stars (don’t ask), and it will be the fifth time in the last six seasons that an MLS All-Star squad faces a Liga MX All-Star squad.

The MLS All-Star Team is a -0.5 goal favorite per the Handicap and is +131 on the three-way line. The Liga MX All-Star Team is +167 on the three-way soccer betting line, while the draw is listed at +295. This match has an over/under of 4.5 goals.

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What Is the MLS All-Star Game?

We have seen major changes to the MLS All-Star Game over the last decade or so, just like we have seen with every All-Star Game across American professional sports aside from baseball. The All-Star Game MLS edition started off as a standard Eastern Conference vs. Western Conference format, but that was quickly changed to draw more eyeballs.

The MLS All-Star Game featured a team of MLS All-Stars taking on a European club team for 15 years from 2005 to 2019. However, that format was altered in the aftermath of COVID-19, leading to what has become the new standard. The MLS All-Stars vs. Liga MX All-Stars format highlights the regional rivalry between the United States and Mexico, leading to more interest.

The Major League Soccer All-Star Game Explained

There are different ways of being selected to the MLS All-Star Game. Most players are either selected by the fans or by the coach, but two players from each roster are chosen by the respective league commissioners. MLS Commissioner Don Garber selected forward Julian Hall from the New York Red Bulls and defender Richie Laryea from Toronto FC. However, Liga MX has yet to select its two Commissioners’ Picks. That’s probably because it was announced that Liga MX Commissioner Mikel Arriola was being replaced by Francisco Iturbide on Friday.

What Makes the Event Different From a Regular MLS Match

Since this is an All-Star Game, it will consist of all-star rosters from the MLS and Liga MX. However, there will be no changes to the overall rules of the game.

What to Know About the 2026 MLS All-Star Game

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game is looking to capitalize on the success of the 2026 World Cup. MLS ticket sales are reportedly up around 150% since the league restarted following the tournament, and the 2026 MLS All-Star squad boasts some familiar names to American fans. Matt Freese, Tim Ream, and Sebastian Berhalter all saw significant action with the United States Men’s National Team this summer, and all three players will be representing the MLS.

Date, Venue, and Match Format

This is the first time that the MLS All-Star Game has come to the Tar Heel State. The 2026 MLS All-Star Game between the MLS All-Stars and the Liga MX All-Stars will take place on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. This match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. ET from Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

Recent Trends from MLS All-Star Games

The MLS All-Stars have bested the Liga MX All-Stars in three of their previous four meetings. Their first showdown resulted in a 1-1 draw in regulation, but the MLS All-Stars won 3-2 in penalties. They faced off for the second time in 2022 with the MLS All-Stars winning 2-1.

After the MLS All-Stars were crushed 5-0 by Arsenal in 2023, the prior format was restored. Liga MX claimed its first victory in 2024 with a 4-1 beatdown of the MLS All-Stars, but the MLS All-Stars returned the favor in a 3-1 victory last season. 

Key Storylines to Follow

Fortunately, Lionel Messi will not be suspended after missing this All-Star Game as was the case last season. Son and Muller will see much of the headlines, but many Mexican fans will be excited to see Club Tijuana’s Gilberto Mora in action. The 17-year-old is primed to move to Europe soon, and many clubs are interested in signing Mora.

MLS All-Star Game 2026 Roster and First XI Watch

The MLS All-Star Game 2026 roster has been announced. The league announced its First XI back on July 8, but they have had to make two changes. Lionel Messi is unavailable due to rest following the World Cup, while Bafana Bafana center back Mbekezeli Mbokazi tore a thigh muscle and might miss the remainder of the regular season. 

Tim Ream, Andy Najar, and Anthony Markanich are in front of goalkeeper Brian Schwake in the First XI. Sebastian Berhalter, Zavier Gozo, and Hany Mukhtar will be the midfielders, while Son Heung-min will be one of the players up top. Hugo Cuypers is another First XI selection that will not suit up for the MLS All-Stars after the Chicago Fire transferred the league’s leading goal scorer to CF Monterrey for $7.5 million last week.

Mora is the most familiar name on the Liga MX All-Stars, but international fans will also see that the great Keylor Navas has been selected too. Navas rose to fame as Costa Rica’s starting goalkeeper during the 2014 World Cup, and he spent a decade playing for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

How the First XI Is Chosen

The First XI for the MLS All-Star Team was decided by fan vote. Mbokazi received the most votes, while the remainder of the roster was filled out by head coach Dean Smith. 

Players Likely to Earn All-Star Recognition

International standouts that transfer to the MLS near the end of their careers are the players that are the most likely to be named to the MLS All-Star Team. Fans want to see those players in action, and that will draw more attention to the match. It’s a model that has worked for the MLS since its inception.

Roster Decisions That Could Spark Debate

If Liga MX decided to name Cuypers as one of its final All-Star selections, that would lead to a lot of debate. Cuypers made his debut for CF Monterrey on Sunday, coming in as a substitute prior to the All-Star Game break. 

Why the MLS All-Star Game Draws Betting Interest

There figures to be more interest in the MLS All-Star Game than in previous years following the World Cup. That has led to MLS All-Star Game odds being released earlier than usual for this match. Currently, the MLS All-Star Team is a slight favorite per the oddsmakers.

As noted earlier, the MLS All-Star Team is a -0.5 goal favorite per the Asian Handicap and is +131 on the three-way line. The Liga MX All-Star Team is +167 on the three-way line, with the draw at +295 and a total of 4.5.

How Odds Are Influenced by Roster Announcements

We could see the MLS All-Star Game odds influenced by a late scratch or addition to either team’s roster. There’s no doubt that Messi’s presence would make the MLS more of a favorite than they currently are per the soccer betting line, but a late scratch to Son Heung-min would leave this side surprisingly short on attacking options.

Factors Bettors Should Monitor Before Kickoff

Although the weather is expected to be nice in Charlotte on Wednesday, the Carolinas have received a lot of rain over the last couple weeks. That could have an effect on the playing surface.

Popular MLS All-Star Game Betting Markets

The most popular betting markets for the MLS All-Star Game are the same as you see in most soccer matches. There are your standard bets, first half bets, second half bets, goal differential bets, and final score props.

What Could Decide the Outcome of the MLS All-Star Game?

Familiarity is one of the key factors in All-Star Games. The more familiar players are with one another, the better they will be in this match. That can be difficult in All-Star games though due to the nature of these games.

Team Chemistry and Playing Styles

Coaches and players will try to win the game, but there won’t be a lot of creativity. Players are more interested in their remaining league matches with their clubs, and you won’t see much physicality either since no one wants to be injured in an All-Star Game.

Player Rotation and Coaching Decisions

Everyone plays in the MLS All-Star game as there are no substitution limits. Typically, coaches make full changes to their rosters at halftime so that no one plays more than a half.

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