World Cup Bound: MLS and Liga MX Stars Set to Participate

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup runs through North America—and so does Leagues Cup

With the United States, Mexico, and Canada set to host the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, many of the players who will take center stage on football's grandest stage play for MLS and Liga MX clubs. From global superstars and World Cup champions to emerging talents preparing for their first appearance on the international stage, the World Cup offers fans an early glimpse at the players who will soon take the field in Leagues Cup. 

Some arrive with legendary resumes. Lionel Messi returns as the face of Argentina and Inter Miami CF after leading the club to the Leagues Cup title in 2023 and helping his country win the 2022 World Cup. Korean legend Son Heung-min brings global star power to LAFC, while veterans such as Tim Ream and Enner Valencia continue to play important roles for their national teams. Others represent the next generation of Leagues Cup talent. Mexico's Gilberto Mora (17) and Tunisia's Rayan Elloumi (18) will be some of the youngest players in action.

Before continuing, here's some quick roster tidbits to keep in mind:

• A total of 62 players with be participating: 37 from the 18 MLS teams qualified to Leagues Cup, and 25 from Liga MX
• 19 of the 48 countries have at least one MLS or Liga MX player in their roster
• 31 Leagues Cup teams will be represented: 18 from MLS, and 13 from Liga MX
• México is the nation with the most Leagues Cup players in their squad (12)
• Chivas is the team with the most players going to the World Cup (5)
• There are five LC 2026 teams without a representative: Atlético San Luis, Mazatlán, Necaxa, Puebla, Querétaro

Club-by-Club breakdown of World Cup-bound players

Setting the Stage: From World Cup to Leagues Cup

As North America prepares to welcome the FIFA World Cup, MLS and Liga MX clubs continue to attract and develop players capable of performing on football's biggest stage. The result is going to be a tournament filled with international stars, national team leaders and rising talents who will soon be setting their sights on the Leagues Cup.

For MLS and Liga MX fans, the World Cup provides something unique: the opportunity to see Leagues Cup-bound players compete in top-flight matches long before the opening whistle of the tournament. Whether it's Messi chasing another trophy, Canada's next generation making its mark, Mexico's core strengthening its chemistry, or emerging stars from across the globe announcing themselves to a wider audience, the World Cup is packed with storylines that extend far beyond regional bragging rights.