Full Breakdown
Liga MX Announces All-Star Squad for 2026 MLS All-Star Game
7/16/2026, 1:05:02 PM
Roster Reveal and Core Details
Liga MX released a 26-player roster on the Wednesday before July 29, 2026, for the MLS All-Star Game to be held at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Goalkeepers Keylor Navas (Pumas UNAM) and Nahuel Guzmán (Tigres UANL) headline the squad, which will face MLS stars led by Lionel Messi. Two additional players will be added later by Mexican Football Federation Commissioner Mikel Arriola, completing the 28-man lineup.
Selection Process and Coaching Leadership
The first 14 selections were determined through Liga MX’s Balón de Oro awards, recognizing top performers from the Apertura and Clausura seasons. The remaining 12 players were chosen by Antonio Mohamed, the Argentine head coach of Toluca, who also earned Liga MX Coach of the Year honors after guiding Toluca to back-to-back league titles and the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Mohamed will manage the All-Star side.
Full Roster Overview
Defenders: Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul), Jesús Gallardo (Toluca FC), Jesús Garza (Tigres UANL), Bryan González (Chivas Guadalajara), Richie Ledezma (Chivas Guadalajara), Erik Lira (Cruz Azul), Bruno Méndez (Toluca FC), Federico Pereira (Toluca FC), Israel Reyes (Club América), Nathan Silva (Pumas).
Midfielders: Juan Brunetta (Tigres UANL), Kevin Castañeda (Club Tijuana), Nicolás Castro (Toluca FC), Iker Fimbres (Monterrey), Fernando Gorriarán (Tigres UANL), Brian Gutiérrez (Chivas Guadalajara), Gilberto Mora (Club Tijuana), José Paradela (Cruz Azul), Brian Rodríguez (Club América), Carlos “Charly” Rodríguez (Cruz Azul), Franco Romero (Toluca FC).
Forwards: Armando González (Chivas Guadalajara), Robert Morales (Pumas UNAM), Santiago Sandoval (Chivas Guadalajara).
Six of the initial selections—Mora, Erik Lira, Israel Reyes, Jesús Gallardo, Brian Gutiérrez, and Armando González—represented Mexico at the 2022 World Cup.
Significance of the Fifth MLS–Liga MX All-Star Meeting
The July 29 encounter marks the fifth MLS All-Star Game featuring a Liga MX opponent and the third consecutive year using this format. MLS currently leads the series 3-1, including a 3-1 victory in Austin, Texas, last year. The matchup offers a showcase for emerging Mexican talent such as 17-year-old Gilberto Mora while highlighting the continued rivalry and collaborative promotion of North American soccer.
