Major League Soccer continues to solidify its role as a key talent developer ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 44 players from the league named to World Cup rosters — the highest of any Western Hemisphere league. Among these, 42 players were developed through the MLS pathway, including MLS NEXT Pro, with 19 alumni from MLS NEXT Pro appearing on World Cup rosters across various national teams.
United States men’s national team players with MLS NEXT Pro experience include defender Alex Freeman, who made a record 70 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro with Orlando City B before advancing to Villarreal in Spain’s La Liga. Freeman stands out as one of the most prominent USMNT revelations in recent years. Other notable US players featured are forward Max Arfsten, who developed with San Jose Earthquakes II before joining Columbus Crew; goalkeeper Matt Freese, a Philadelphia Union II product now with New York City FC; and goalkeeper Chris Brady, homegrown through Chicago Fire FC II, who recorded 12 clean sheets in 15 appearances during MLS NEXT Pro’s inaugural season.
Canadian representatives with MLS NEXT Pro ties include midfielder Ali Ahmed, a Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 alumnus currently playing with Norwich City in England’s Championship, and forward Tani Oluwaseyi, who developed with Minnesota United FC 2 and now plays for Villarreal.
Internationally, several MLS NEXT Pro alumni have earned World Cup roster spots. South African centerback Olwethu Makhanya played a key role in Philadelphia Union II’s 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference title and earned MLS Best XI recognition in 2025. Tunisia’s Rayan Elloumi, a breakout forward from Whitecaps FC 2, joins the Tunisian national team. Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Esmir Bajraktarevic, formerly homegrown with New England Revolution II, scored the decisive goal that eliminated Italy from World Cup qualification and plays for PSV Eindhoven. Carl Sainté, a midfielder who contributed to North Texas SC’s 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup championship, represents Haiti. Cape Verde’s goalkeeper CJ dos Santos, developed with Inter Miami CF II and a record-setter with San Diego FC in 2025, also earned a World Cup roster spot.
Additional MLS NEXT Pro players with brief stints at various teams, including Sebastian Berhalter, Maxime Crépeau, Moïse Bombito, Jacob Shaffelburg, Derrick Etienne Jr., Mohammad Abu Al-Nadi, Carlos Harvey, and James Rodríguez, further highlight the league’s impact on international soccer talent development ahead of the tournament in North America.
Source: Original report