MLS NEXT All-Star Game rosters selected ahead of showdown in North Carolina

NEW YORK – MLS NEXT announced today the player selections, details, and broadcast information for the fifth annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game.

The match will showcase the future soccer stars of North America in an East vs. West showdown at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, NC on Monday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET, streaming live on MLS’ YouTube channel and MLSsoccer.com. With free admission to the game, fans in Charlotte can watch the standouts of MLS NEXT take center stage during MLS All-Star week.

“Selection to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the trajectory of these players as they continue to develop on and off the field,” said Luis Robles, General Manager of Sporting Operations for MLS NEXT. “This event brings together some of the top young talent from across North America and provides a platform to celebrate their achievements while highlighting the connectivity of the MLS player pathway. We congratulate all of the players selected and look forward to watching them represent their clubs and communities in Charlotte.”

MLS NEXT and Allstate will provide the players with unique opportunities during MLS All-Star Week, which will include a full slate of programming events. The festivities include team training, the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on July 28, and the 2026 MLS All-Star Game on July 29.

The 44 players were selected following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season and 2026 MLS NEXT Cup. To be eligible for selection, players must have been born between 2009-11 and have competed in either the MLS NEXT regular season or in at least one of MLS NEXT’s premier events – MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, Generation adidas Cup, or MLS NEXT Cup.

The East All-Stars will be led by Charlotte FC U18 head coach Jordan Melia. Since arriving in Queen City in 2024, Melia has played a key role in guiding the U18 squad to a runner-up finish in their Conference during the 2025–26 regular season.

The West will be coached by Seattle Sounders FC U15 head coach Ethan O’Neill and Seattle Sounders FC U-16 head coach Matt Dorman. Dorman joined the academy as the U16 head coach in Aug 2024 after serving as the Academy & Tacoma Defiance developmental analyst since January 2023. A native of Ireland, O’Neill joined the academy in 2024, bringing a wealth of coaching experience that includes serving as Head Coach of CK United’s U15 team in the Irish National League and as Head Coach within the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) Emerging Talent Program.