All the Stars Who Lit Up the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge

CHARLOTTE — Following six weeks of World Cup action this summer across the continent, Major League Soccer is looking to sustain the momentum.

The U.S.'s premier division, whose latest campaign is titled "Thanks World, We'll Take It From Here," has rekindled the region's soccer excitement with the 2026 MLS All-Star festivities in Charlotte, a week centered around Wednesday's showdown against Liga MX's All-Stars.

Ahead of Wednesday's clash between the continent's finest, MLS staged the All-Star Skills Challenge, a series of technical competitions showcasing selected MLS and Liga MX All-Stars, including Vancouver Whitecaps' Thomas Müller, LAFC's Son Heung-min and FC Cincinnati's Evander, along with U.S. men's national team representatives Tim Ream (Charlotte FC) and Matt Freese (New York City FC).

A number of high-profile celebrities made their way to Truist Field to witness the Skills Challenge, with some even stepping into the action themselves.

Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson

Who's ready to see some @ochocinco skills in Charlotte? ⚡️⚽️

Ochocinco will feature in this year's MLS All-Star Skills Challenge pres. by @ATT — hit the link for tickets & watch on July 28 at 7:30pm ET on Apple TV: https://t.co/IpshBkMerT pic.twitter.com/NlELvFcDIq

The retired NFL icon, lifelong soccer enthusiast and current co-host of the sports talk podcast "Nightcap" is among eight competitors in the crossbar challenge.

FaZe Rug

FaZe Rug is here at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge: pic.twitter.com/j6DUAnB08t

The well-known American YouTuber took part in the shooting challenge, which was ultimately claimed by Evander for the second straight year.

Danny Ramirez

Actor Danny Ramirez is a baller 👀

Watch him at the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge pres. by @ATT // Tuesday at 7:30pm ET on Apple TV. 📺 pic.twitter.com/wWKKBEI4zn

The Hollywood actor, known for his roles in "Captain America: Brave New World" and "Top Gun: Maverick," went head-to-head with Son in Tuesday evening's passing challenge. The ex-Tottenham Hotspur forward edged out the actor in a close contest.

Celine Dept

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¡Estrellas por todos lados! 🤩

¡Son Heung-Min, Thomas Müller, Celine Dept, Danny Ramirez y más en la previa al MLS All-Star Skills Challenge pres. por @ATT! pic.twitter.com/DvPtNaOFeQ

The Belgian social media personality and devoted soccer fan is also set to compete in the crossbar challenge.