Three Vancouver Whitecaps and a Toronto FC man carry Canada’s stake in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, as the MLS All-Stars host the Liga MX All-Stars at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Wednesday, July 29. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT), streaming on MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app.
The MLS All-Stars lead this cross-border series 3-1, and they are moneyline favourites again. bet365 price them at +120, with the Liga MX All-Stars at +160 and the draw at +280 (odds at the time of writing). One big name is missing, though: Lionel Messi, the fan-vote winner, sits out on mandatory post-World Cup rest, along with Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. We break down why in our Messi All-Star Game explainer.
MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX: our pick
The series is the story. The MLS All-Stars have won three of the four meetings since the interleague format arrived in 2021, and only 2024’s 4-1 loss in Columbus went against them. They also field a deep 29-man squad in front of a home crowd. Our lead pick is the MLS All-Stars moneyline at +120 with bet365, with the goals market the strongest supporting angle.
bet365 make the MLS All-Stars +120 moneyline favourites. Our picks lean on a series MLS lead 3-1 and five high-scoring editions worth 19 goals.
Our approach: anchor on the MLS moneyline and add the Over as the strongest series trend, with Sam Surridge to score the value angle.
Odds correct at the time of writing and shown in American format. 19+ (18+ in AB/MB/QC). Please play responsibly. ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (ON) — see your province’s helpline for resources elsewhere.
The Canadian angle: Whitecaps and Toronto FC in Charlotte
Canadian interest runs right through the MLS roster. The Vancouver Whitecaps supply three All-Stars — veteran signing Thomas Müller, USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and Argentine holder Andrés Cubas — the joint-most of any club alongside Charlotte and Nashville. Toronto FC’s Richie Laryea, a Canadian international, rounds out the domestic interest as a commissioner’s pick. For Whitecaps fans on Pacific Time, the 5:00 p.m. PT kickoff is a rare early-evening watch.
MLS vs Liga MX all-star series history
The recent record reads well for the hosts, and it is high-scoring. Only the 2021 edition stayed under 2.5 goals, and Liga MX have found the net in all four meetings against MLS opposition (Arsenal interrupted the rivalry in 2023).
| Date | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 23, 2025 | MLS 3-1 Liga MX | Q2 Stadium, Austin |
| Jul 24, 2024 | MLS 1-4 Liga MX | Lower.com Field, Columbus |
| Jul 19, 2023 | MLS 0-5 Arsenal | Audi Field, Washington |
| Aug 10, 2022 | MLS 2-1 Liga MX | Allianz Field, St. Paul |
| Aug 25, 2021 | MLS 1-1 Liga MX (MLS won 3-2 on penalties) | BMO Stadium, Los Angeles |
How the squads shape up
Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller headline the MLS side after their high-profile moves, with 13 of the 29 fresh from this summer’s World Cup. Messi and De Paul are the notable absentees, both excused on mandatory rest. Liga MX have named a final 24-man squad under Toluca coach Antonio Mohamed: Keylor Navas, Nahuel Guzmán and Golden Boot winner Joao Pedro all withdrew, so veteran striker Salomón Rondón and 2024 All-Star MVP Juan Brunetta carry the visitors’ threat. Both squads in full are in our MLS All-Star Game roster guide.
MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX prediction
Expect an open game in the pattern of the series — goals at both ends, and a home side with more late-game depth once the substitutions flow. Liga MX have scored in every meeting between the leagues, so a shutout looks unlikely. Our prediction: MLS All-Stars to win, 3-1, with the MLS moneyline at +120 the pick and the Over the natural supporting play. Odds may change before kickoff.
How to watch the MLS All-Star Game in Canada
The game streams on MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app, with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 29. The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge runs the night before. Full broadcast and timing detail is in our how to watch guide, and the events are previewed in our Skills Challenge breakdown.
FAQs
Who plays in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game?
The MLS All-Stars face the Liga MX All-Stars. Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller headline the MLS squad — Lionel Messi was voted in but is excused on rest — while Salomón Rondón and Juan Brunetta lead the Liga MX side.
When and where is the game?
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kickoff is 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT).
Who leads the MLS vs Liga MX series?
MLS lead 3-1. They won in 2021 and 2022, lost 4-1 in 2024, and won 3-1 in 2025.
Is Lionel Messi playing?
No. Messi was the fan-vote winner but is on mandatory post-World Cup rest and has been officially excused, along with Rodrigo De Paul.
19+ (18+ in AB/MB/QC) | Please play responsibly | Odds approximate at the time of writing | ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (ON) — see your province’s helpline for resources elsewhere.