Major League Soccer's All-Stars are set to face off against Liga MX's All-Stars at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
This exhibition continues the tradition of pitting the two prominent North American leagues against each other, rather than featuring teams from within a single league. The match comes during a condensed MLS season, which resumed on July 16 after a break for the World Cup that spanned from late May to mid-July.
Dean Smith, head coach of Charlotte FC, selected the MLS All-Star roster on home turf. The 29-player squad was formed through a combination of fan voting, Smith's own choices, and selections made by MLS commissioner Don Garber. Notable players include Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller, along with Toronto FC's Richie Laryea and three representatives from the Vancouver Whitecaps.
In the lead-up to the match, the roster experienced changes. Initially, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Hugo Cuypers, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi were named to the squad but were later replaced for various reasons, with Messi and De Paul excused for rest.
Liga MX has assembled a 24-player team, featuring four players from Toluca, who recently claimed the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Cruz Azul has the highest representation with five players, while CF Pachuca has four.
The match is part of a week-long series of events in Charlotte, including a fan festival and various related activities. This format highlights the increasing interaction between MLS and Liga MX, where player transfers are common and clubs frequently compete in continental tournaments. Historically, Liga MX teams have had the upper hand in these matchups, adding a competitive element to the exhibition.
