The 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season is set to resume this Thursday, marking the end of a six-week hiatus taken to accommodate the World Cup. The league's timing is strategic, restarting during the brief interval between the World Cup semi-finals and the third-place match. For fans of the league's 30 teams, it is a moment to re-engage with the domestic competition, with more than half of the regular season still remaining alongside the added challenge of the Leagues Cup congesting the schedule.
Despite MLS not being directly represented on the World Cup stage-no MLS teams participated, and the league's profile was mostly limited to mentions of players' MLS clubs during broadcasts-the league's significance was nonetheless evident. Through the quarter-finals, MLS ranked sixth in total minutes played by its representatives, the highest outside Europe's top five leagues. Impressively, 22 of the 30 MLS clubs had at least one player selected for their national team squads at the tournament, underscoring the growing international stature of the league.
A total of 44 MLS players left their clubs mid-season to take part in the World Cup. As the league returns to action, there are several players whose performances and storylines from the tournament will be important to follow as they resume club duties.
One of the most high-profile players returning to MLS is Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC. Son's World Cup campaign was marked by an unusual struggle to score goals. South Korea's early exit in the group stage was partly attributed to his lack of effectiveness in front of goal.
Although he led the team with seven shots, only one was on target. This goal drought extended to his MLS performances as well; outside of a Concacaf Champions League match and a friendly in May, Son has yet to score in the 2026 season and has failed to find the net in 13 MLS appearances for LAFC. At the club level, Son plays second fiddle to Denis Bouanga, the team's main scoring threat.
Son has taken 39 shots this season, with nearly half from outside the penalty area and only seven from close range, which may explain his scoring struggles. Despite this, his eight assists have helped LAFC maintain a strong position near the top of the Western Conference. For LAFC to maximize the impact of their record signing, they will need to create more opportunities for him in better shooting positions.
Another notable MLS player is Sebastian Berhalter of the Vancouver Whitecaps, whose stock rose significantly due to his composed and effective performances for the United States during the World Cup. Frequently the first substitute called upon by U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino, Berhalter plays a vital role at Vancouver as the team's possession hub, often roaming across the field to help orchestrate play in what is regarded as one of the league's most tactically disciplined teams.
He is also highly regarded as one of the best right-footed set-piece takers in MLS and among American players. Berhalter joined the Whitecaps as a relatively low-cost acquisition and will become a free agent at the end of the year. With uncertainty surrounding the club's future, other teams in MLS or abroad may look to sign the 25-year-old midfielder.
Whether Vancouver can retain him or if he will depart remains an intriguing question as the season progresses.
Orlando City also had strong representation at the World Cup, with three players-goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau (Canada), midfielder Braian Ojeda (Paraguay), and midfielder Marco Pasalic (Croatia)-all featuring for teams that advanced to the knockout stages. Despite this, Orlando City struggled in the first part of the MLS season, sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference with the worst goal difference at minus-21 as they entered the World Cup break. Yet, they remain just four points shy of a playoff spot and could see a rapid rise in the standings, especially with the recent addition of star forward Antoine Griezmann.
Crépeau's role as Canada's starting goalkeeper, ahead of Toronto FC's Dayne St. Clair, was a surprise to some but may have boosted his confidence following Canada's run to the round of 16. Pasalic, who contributed 12 goals and five assists in 2025, also saw more playing time than expected for Croatia.
Given the open nature of the Eastern Conference beyond the top two teams, Orlando City's playoff push is one to watch closely.
Miguel Almirón of Atlanta United experienced a tumultuous World Cup campaign with Paraguay. He was involved in two controversial VAR decisions, first receiving a yellow card due to a mistaken identity review, then a red card shortly after, which sparked a viral house anthem among fans. Fortunately, he returned to help Paraguay upset Germany in the round of 32, ending his tournament on a positive note. Atlanta United, despite heavy spending, continue to struggle in MLS, but a return to form from Almirón could be a key factor in improving their fortunes. Alongside Almirón, three other Paraguayans-Braian Ojeda (Orlando), Matías Galarza (Atlanta), and Andrés Cubas (Vancouver)-also return to MLS after the famous victory over Germany, bringing with them heightened recognition and expectations at their clubs.
Petar Musa's World Cup impact was brief but memorable. The Croatian striker scored an equalizer against England shortly after being selected in the starting lineup, though Croatia ultimately lost the match 4-2. Musa's playing time diminished thereafter, and he did not feature in subsequent games.
Since arriving at FC Dallas from Benfica in 2024, Musa has been one of MLS's most potent forwards, scoring 46 goals in 5,632 minutes, averaging nearly three-quarters of a goal per 90 minutes. His return to club action is eagerly anticipated by head coach Eric Quill, who will be relieved to have the league's high-scoring center-forward back as Dallas looks to improve its standings. Whether Musa will attract transfer interest remains to be seen, but his performance on the pitch will be crucial in keeping Dallas competitive.
On the defensive side, Mbekezeli Mbokazi of the Chicago Fire had a strong World Cup with South Africa, serving as one of the team's most reliable defenders as Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages for the first time. The 20-year-old defender, who has only a half-season of MLS experience, is set to join the MLS All-Star team, reflecting his rapid development. Chicago currently sits third in the Eastern Conference, boasting the second-best defensive record in the conference, to which Mbokazi's quick adaptation has contributed. The recent signing of Robert Lewandowski, a renowned goal scorer with a distinguished European career, is expected to bolster the Fire's attack and complement their solid defense.
Finally, no discussion of MLS is complete without mentioning Lionel Messi, the league's headline player and a transformative figure for Inter Miami. Since joining in 2023, Messi has achieved nearly everything possible with the club, including helping open a new stadium that features a stand named in his honor. He signed a contract extension last fall that runs through December 2028, and his role as part-owner of the club adds a unique dimension to his presence.
However, Messi's emotional displays after Argentina's hard-fought comebacks during the World Cup suggest that his playing career may be approaching its twilight. His last pre-tournament friendly with Argentina appeared to signal the end of his international career, closing the door on a possible Copa América farewell. When Messi ultimately retires, the impact on Inter Miami and MLS as a whole will be profound.
His ability to draw tens of thousands of fans across North America and inspire teammates is unmatched, and the league will face a new chapter without his on-field brilliance and the motivation that comes with preparing for World Cup competition.
As the MLS season resumes, all eyes will be on these key players as they transition from international duty back to their clubs. Their performances will not only influence their teams' fortunes but also serve as a measure of MLS's growing stature on the global soccer stage. With over half the season remaining and additional tournaments like the Leagues Cup adding complexity to the schedule, the returning players' fitness, form, and focus will be critical in shaping the race for playoff spots and ultimately the championship. The league's blend of emerging talents, veteran stars, and international experience promises an exciting second half of the 2026 MLS season.