The 2026 World Cup is over, and we deliver our consideration again to Main League Soccer as we kick off the second half of the season.
Listed below are a number of the stars and breakout candidates who might form the second half of the season.
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Chicago vs. Charlotte on August 1 at 8:30pm ET. Watch stay on Apple TV
📸 Charlotte Wilson – 2026 Getty Photos
One of many breakout stars within the West was tipped to carry out extremely on the World Cup, and together with his former USMNT head coach-for-a-father watching, he did!
Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter impressed underneath Mauricio Pochettino, notably that includes in all 5 World Cup video games and registering a aim plus an help in opposition to Turkiye. That made him the primary American within the trendy period to report one aim and one help in a World Cup match.
He already has 10 mixed objectives and assists in 14 MLS appearances this season, one thing he’ll look to construct on after gaining some confidence seeing his inventory rise.
One of many greatest tales following the resumption of the MLS season is Inter Miami’s signing of Casemiro. The five-time Champions League winner arrives in South Florida as one other marquee addition to a star-studded squad, with hopes of serving to Miami strengthen their push for MLS Cup.
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The Brazilian might effectively make his debut this weekend after finishing his transfer late final week, bringing a wealth of expertise and successful mentality to Nu Stadium.
Casemiro made greater than 120 appearances for Manchester United, successful the Carabao Cup and FA Cup throughout his time at Outdated Trafford. Whereas his affect will not be measured in objectives, his capacity to manage video games, break up assaults and lead by instance might show simply as priceless as Miami chase extra silverware.
One of many greatest headlines as we return to the MLS season was Chicago’s signing of Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona. The 37-year-old is the newest to come back to America as a blockbuster switch, hoping to assist the Hearth rise from third to first.
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Lewandowski was denied a debut in opposition to Thomas Müller’s Whitecaps as a result of smoky climate situations, so it stays to be seen how he’ll kick off this new chapter.
He scored 14 objectives from 31 appearances for the Blaugrana final season and walked away with a surprising report of 120 in 193. Although it is not likely about what number of he’ll rating for Chicago, somewhat, it is when. Everybody can be on excessive alert to observe his first hit the again of the online.
One of many kids who impressed within the first half of the season was Kevin Kelsy of the Portland Timbers. And he is already again up and working after the restart!
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At simply 21 years outdated, the Venezuelan centre-forward is impressing on the membership, having scored 26% of their total objectives this season. He netted twice in opposition to Seattle Sounders, the primary a looping header and the second a fast response to poke the ball house after crashing the field.
The brace sees him lead Portland’s scoring charts this season, and after impressing in opposition to a rival, we’re certain he can be flowing with confidence within the second half exhibiting.
📸 Shaun Botterill – 2026 Getty Photos
Naturally, how can we not point out Lionel Messi? The Argentina captain went all the best way to the 2026 World Cup closing whereas staying in competition for the Golden Boot. His ever-reliable presence for the nationwide group is one thing we count on to proceed for Inter Miami.
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The Herons sit in second place within the Jap Convention, largely because of Messi’s brilliance. He already has 12 objectives and 7 assists after solely 14 appearances this season.
That mentioned, it will likely be attention-grabbing to see whether or not the 39-year-old experiences any fatigue as he re-enters the common season. World Cup gamers are sometimes given deserved breaks, and if Miami permits Messi to take a short lived trip, who will step up in his absence? With out his affect, will the Herons battle to battle for first?
A second headline signing heading into the again half of the season is Antoine Griezmann becoming a member of Orlando Metropolis. The Frenchman arrives in the US after a powerful closing season in Spain, the place he registered 14 objectives and eight assists throughout all competitions.
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The Lions will look to the 35-year-old’s storied expertise to assist carry them up from thirteenth within the desk after simply 4 wins thus far. That poor type sees the membership sit third final within the Jap Convention.
That mentioned, Griezmann has mentioned he is ready to be a pacesetter for Orlando. “I wish to win the championship, rating objectives, present assists, encourage youngsters to play soccer and make them Orlando Metropolis followers,” he mentioned. “I got here for all of this: I wish to take Orlando Metropolis to the highest of soccer in the US.”
How huge will his affect be?
📸 Dustin Satloff – 2026 Getty Photos
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One other teenager together with his identify in lights in the course of the first half of the season was Julian Corridor of the New York Purple Bulls. And he is maybe essentially the most talked-about teenager at present in MLS.
The 18-year-old has a surprising 13 aim contributions (9 objectives and 4 assists) from simply 15 appearances. Add to that, there are additionally three different objectives from two U.S Open Cup showings. Such numbers appear to be that of a veteran centre ahead, somewhat than a high-school graduate.
After feeling refreshed from the break, it is time to see whether or not or not he’ll proceed producing such hype.
After an early World Cup exit, Son Heung-min seems to be again and able to put his finest foot ahead with LAFC.
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The 34-year-old was a staple inventive presence for the membership previous to the worldwide break, registering 9 assists to assist them sit third in West. That features a assertion exhibiting in opposition to Orlando, the place he produced 5 alone!
Now, nevertheless, Son seems hungry for objectives. He scored his first of the season in the course of the first sport again in opposition to rivals LA Galaxy. Maybe an early elimination from the World Cup and a few relaxation was simply what he wanted?
📸 Alex Slitz – 2026 Getty Photos
After a powerful run to the Spherical of 16 with Canada, defender Richie Laryea can be a participant with the burden of BMO Discipline on his shoulders.
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The veteran right-back demonstrated his veteran persona on the World Cup by taking part in a full 90 minutes in nearly each one in every of Canada’s video games. A five-game starter, the earliest he was ever substituted off was the 78th minute.
TFC’s damage points earlier than the break have left them struggling in twelfth place within the East, however Laryea is the voice and presence on the again who can information the group up the standings if and when he is at his finest.
his stats, he has 15 objectives and 26 assists in 155 appearances throughout all competitions for the membership. He was additionally chosen as an MLS All-Star. Will the hometown expertise rise to the event within the second half of the season?