Five Established Stars Reportedly Linked to MLS Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Major MLS clubs continue to target established international names as interest in the league grows ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Here are five players who, according to recent reports and public comments, could plausibly move to MLS.

Mohamed Salah remains a high-profile option. The Egyptian recorded 29 goals and 18 assists en route to the 2024–25 Premier League title, but this season has been more difficult with four goals and three assists in 14 Premier League matches. Now 33 years old and under contract through to the summer of 2027, Salah has been linked as the kind of signing MLS sides might pursue after LAFC paid a record $26.2 million for Son Heung-min in 2025.

Robert Lewandowski is another obvious candidate for MLS in the later stages of his career. After a prolific 2024–25 campaign that produced 42 goals and three assists across all competitions, he has nine goals and two assists in 942 minutes this season. Reports have linked him to Chicago Fire and Inter Miami and noted parallels with other recent European arrivals who chose MLS markets.

Antoine Griezmann has long been linked to the league. He has 204 goals in La Liga and a contract running until the summer of 2027. It is understood that LAFC and Inter Miami have pursued him, while Charlotte FC has also been reported to have sought his signature. “I still have a lot of time left to play, lots of energy, lots of lucidity to play and become important at the club,” Griezmann said in November 2025, having announced his international retirement back in September 2024. “Everyone knows that my dream, my objective, is the MLS, but I am still under contract [with Atletico Madrid], and I want to continue.”

James Rodríguez remains a free-agent attraction after leaving Club Léon. The 34-year-old posted a recent social media video striking free kicks and has been linked with Orlando City, Toronto FC and Columbus Crew. Reports suggested MLS interest before he signed in Liga MX in 2025, and a short-term deal through 2026 has been mooted.

Weston McKennie could be available after the World Cup. Described in coverage as one of the best midfielders in U.S. men’s national team history for what he has achieved in over 200 appearances with Serie A titans, Juventus, the 27-year-old reportedly has no contract beyond June and the 2026 World Cup. “I hope to stay at Juventus. But I leave it all in my agent’s hands,” he said in November. “Turin is a huge part of my life, so I want to do everything I can for the people here.”