The rivalry has become a tradition. The MLS All-Star Game 2026 will once again pit the best of Major League Soccer and Liga MX against each other on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium, home of Charlotte FC.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, continuing a fixture on the North American soccer calendar.
The festivities begin the day before. On July 28, players will take part in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T at Truist Field, also in Charlotte. The event features shooting, passing, and crossbar challenges designed to showcase technique before the main event.
MLS vs Liga MX rivalry gets another chapter
Rivalry renewed. 😤
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2026
Our biggest stars will face off against @LigaBBVAMX talent in the MLS All-Star Game pres. by @Chime in Charlotte! 👑
Find out more: https://t.co/7gAaZpkYh0 pic.twitter.com/fWWwxi1lq7
The 2026 edition will mark:
- The third consecutive All-Star meeting between the leagues
- The fifth overall matchup in the MLS vs Liga MX format
The game has evolved beyond a typical exhibition. For MLS, it represents an opportunity to showcase the league’s growth and competitiveness. For Liga MX, it is a chance to defend its long-established reputation as the region’s traditional powerhouse.
The rivalry now extends beyond the All-Star Game. Cooperation between the leagues includes competitions such as the Leagues Cup and the Concacaf Champions Cup, creating regular points of contact between clubs.
Another layer adds intrigue: many players involved are expected to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The All-Star Game effectively becomes a preview stage for talent ahead of the tournament.
How the rosters are selected
Each side will feature 26 players.
MLS All-Stars
- 11 players selected by fan voting
- 13 players chosen by the All-Star head coach
- 2 players selected by MLS Commissioner Don Garber
Voting details will be announced by the league in the coming weeks.
Liga MX All-Stars
Liga MX will also name 26 players. While final selection criteria have not been confirmed, the squad is expected to balance standout performers with representatives from the league’s most prominent clubs.
Head-to-head record
Results between the leagues remain relatively balanced.
MLS vs Liga MX All-Star Game
- 2021 (Los Angeles) — MLS won on penalties
- 2022 (Minnesota) — MLS won 2–1
- 2024 (Columbus) — Liga MX won 4–1
- 2025 (Austin) — MLS won 3–1
MLS holds three victories, while Liga MX has one.
The Skills Challenge is perfectly even:
- Liga MX wins: 2021, 2024
- MLS wins: 2022, 2025
The result is a 2–2 split heading into 2026.
Charlotte takes center stage
Since joining MLS in 2022, Charlotte FC has quickly built a reputation for strong attendance.
Bank of America Stadium regularly ranks among the league’s leaders in crowd size. The club’s home debut drew 74,479 fans, one of the largest attendances in MLS history.
Other milestones underline the club’s presence in the city:
- Nearly 3 million total fans since launch
- Three consecutive MLS Cup Playoff appearances
- 4th place in the Eastern Conference in 2025 with 59 points
The stadium has also hosted major international events, including the Leagues Cup, Copa América, FIFA Club World Cup matches, and international friendlies. It is also home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
All-Star Week expands beyond the match
The All-Star Game is part of a week-long series of events across Charlotte, including:
- Community outreach programs
- Sponsor activations and fan events
- Player appearances
- The fifth MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate
The week blends sport, entertainment, and business, turning the host city into a hub for the North American soccer industry.
Strategic moment for both leagues
The 2026 MLS All-Star Game arrives at a pivotal time for soccer in North America.
With the World Cup set to take place across the continent, both MLS and Liga MX are seeking to capitalize on increased global attention. MLS aims to expand its international visibility, while Liga MX continues to strengthen its brand presence in the United States.
On the field, however, the objective remains simple: competition.
Matches between MLS and Liga MX rarely resemble casual exhibitions. The stakes revolve around regional prestige.
