The MLS All-Stars will take on Liga MX All-Stars in a match at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event is scheduled for 8 p.m. and is part of a series of events surrounding the game.
This matchup continues the tradition of pitting the two North American leagues against each other, rather than featuring an intra-league exhibition. The game comes during a compressed MLS calendar, which had a pause from late May to mid-July for the World Cup hosted across North America. The league resumed on July 16 with rivalry matches.
Dean Smith, head coach of Charlotte FC, selected the MLS roster on his home turf. The 29-player team was formed through a combination of fan votes, Smith's own selections, and picks from MLS commissioner Don Garber. Among the notable players included are Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller, along with Toronto FC's Richie Laryea and three players from the Vancouver Whitecaps.
In the days leading up to the match, the roster underwent changes. Initially, Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Hugo Cuypers, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi were named but were later replaced for various reasons, with Messi and De Paul excused for rest.
The Liga MX squad consists of 24 players, including four from Toluca, who recently won the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. Cruz Azul has the highest representation with five players, while CF Pachuca also contributes four.
The match is part of a week-long celebration in Charlotte, featuring a fan festival and other related activities. This format highlights the increasing interaction between the two leagues, with player transfers and competitive meetings becoming more common. Historically, Liga MX clubs have had an advantage in these matchups, adding a competitive edge to the exhibition.
