Five World-Class Soccer Icons Poised to Electrify MLS in 2026
Ever since David Beckham first stepped onto the field with LA Galaxy in 2007, Major League Soccer has grown accustomed to drawing some of the world's most celebrated footballers as they approach the final chapters of their careers.
Although the league has become younger and European-based talents have followed this pattern, the tradition of veteran superstars joining MLS remains strong and shows no signs of slowing down, particularly as icons from the 2010s reach their concluding playing years.
With the 2026 World Cup primarily taking place in the United States, numerous clubs are anticipating increased interest in the sport both immediately and over time. Undoubtedly, one of the most effective methods to capture attention is securing an established superstar.
Here, Sports Illustrated examines five players who might be suiting up in MLS in the coming period.
Mohammed Salah—Liverpool
Might Mohamed Salah's next destination from Liverpool be in Major League Soccer? The Egyptian forward has experienced an outstanding stint with Liverpool and last season accumulated 29 goals and 18 assists leading to the 2024–25 Premier League championship.
This season, however, circumstances have started to deteriorate, affecting both his field performances and media interactions. He has netted four goals and provided three assists across 14 Premier League fixtures while expressing dissatisfaction with the club and his position.
At 33 years of age, Salah remains contracted until summer 2027, but remaining time on a star's agreement might not pose challenges for certain MLS clubs, considering LAFC's record-setting $26.2 million expenditure on Son Heung-min in 2025.
MLS teams won't be alone in pursuing his services in world football, but they maintain strong prospects of securing him, whether to feature on the flank or as a more direct attacking threat, similar to Son's role in LA.
Robert Lewandowski—Barcelona
Few players at football's pinnacle have demonstrated the goal-scoring consistency that Robert Lewandowski has maintained over the past two decades. An MLS transition could represent the ideal next step in his career's final phase.
What has become evident, though, is that players must transition to MLS before experiencing significant decline. Consider Luis Suárez, for instance, who faced difficulties with Inter Miami in 2025, as age affected him following a demanding yet successful 2024 campaign. Therefore, Lewandowski should consider the move in 2026, with his expiring Barcelona contract supporting this possibility.
This season, the Polish forward has tallied nine goals and two assists in 942 minutes after recording 42 goals and three assists across all competitions in 2024–25.
Virtually every MLS club could benefit from an elite striker, and he has been strongly connected to Chicago Fire, the city hosting the largest Polish community beyond Poland, along with Inter Miami, according to recent speculation.
He might also follow his former Bayern Munich colleague Thomas Müller's example, who chose Vancouver Whitecaps to prioritize competitive aspects rather than FC Cincinnati, where Müller would have competed in a German-influenced market.
Antoine Griezmann—Atlético Madrid
Antoine Griezmann has been connected to MLS for multiple years and a transfer appears increasingly likely. Thus far, however, he has stayed with Atlético Madrid, the organization he has considered home for most of the past 11 years.
Despite accumulating 204 La Liga goals, his Spanish chapter is approaching its conclusion. His deal expires in summer 2027, making a potential MLS transfer more realistic as time progresses.
Currently, it's known that both LAFC and Inter Miami have attempted to acquire the experienced French forward but haven't reached agreements with Atletico Madrid or the player himself. In December, Charlotte FC was also reportedly pursuing his signature.
"I still have considerable playing time ahead, abundant energy, and mental clarity to compete and make meaningful contributions at the club," Griezmann stated in November 2025, having declared his international retirement in September 2024.
"Everyone understands that my aspiration, my goal, is MLS, but I remain contracted [with Atletico Madrid], and I wish to continue."
James Rodríguez—Free Agent
Perhaps the most achievable option among these players, James Rodríguez requires a team if he intends to maintain match fitness for Colombia at the World Cup. Currently, his most recent public football activity appeared in a social media clip showing him practicing free kicks, as he continues seeking a new club after departing Liga MX's Club Léon.
The 34-year-old attacking midfielder lacks the same intensity he displayed during his peak periods with Colombia, Real Madrid and Everton, but could definitely make valuable contributions to most MLS squads.
Reports indicated MLS clubs sought to sign him before he agreed to play in Liga MX in 2025, but several teams remain interested. Orlando City and Toronto FC have maintained long-standing connections to him, while recent reports indicate Columbus Crew could be a possible destination.
Nevertheless, securing a club is essential for Rodríguez, and an MLS opportunity might be appropriate, even if it's merely a contract through 2026.
Weston McKennie—Juventus
Weston McKennie ranks among the finest midfielders in U.S. men's national team history based on his accomplishments across over 200 appearances with Serie A powerhouse Juventus. Nevertheless, despite his impressive recent performances, he lacks a contract beyond June and the 2026 World Cup, with signs suggesting the Bianconeri won't extend his deal.
Potentially without a team following the World Cup, the 27-year-old could attract MLS interest as a versatile Designated Player, particularly if he contributes to a strong USMNT tournament performance, which would boost the sport's profile nationally.
From a USMNT standpoint, McKennie departing Europe's premier leagues after an exceptional season wouldn't be ideal, but multiple MLS teams could pursue his services for the latter part of the 2026 season, MLS Cup playoffs and beyond.
"I hope to remain at Juventus. But I entrust everything to my agent's management," he commented in November. "Turin represents a significant portion of my life, so I want to give my all for the people here."