The 2026 MLS All-Star Game sends the best of MLS against Liga MX in Charlotte on Wednesday, July 29. Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium is 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT.
Our MLS All-Star Game prediction starts with the series. MLS lead the interleague rivalry 3-1 after last summer’s win in Austin. However, Liga MX still own the heaviest single result, a 4-1 hammering in Columbus in 2024. Therefore, this fifth meeting carries more needle than most exhibitions. The hosts will also be without their headline act. Lionel Messi is skipping the game on mandatory post-World Cup rest, along with Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul. MLS has officially excused both, with Yannick Bright and Andrés Cubas called up in their place.
The prediction market is now live. Polymarket, the official prediction market partner of MLS, prices the winner market with barely anything between the sides. Meanwhile, bet365 makes the MLS All-Stars +120 favorites to win it in 90 minutes. Liga MX are out at +160, with the draw at +280.
MLS vs Liga MX: Best Bets & Predictions
Polymarket has the winner market tight, with the MLS All-Stars trading at 45%, and bet365 agrees at +120. Our picks lean on five recent editions, 19 goals, and a series MLS have edged.
Our approach: anchor on the MLS win and add the Over as the strongest series trend, with Sam Surridge to score the value angle once prices land.
If Polymarket isn’t your choice, we also rate Kalshi and ProphetX — or compare the full lineup.
Probabilities reflect live Polymarket prices where markets exist, otherwise implied probability from bet365 odds, at the time of writing. 21+. Prediction markets are CFTC-regulated event contracts, not sportsbook bets. Please play responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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MLS vs Liga MX: All-Star Series History
The recent history replaces the usual form guide here, and it reads well for the hosts. MLS have won three of the four meetings with Liga MX since the interleague format arrived in 2021. 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 DC |
| 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 |
The pattern is goals. Only the 2021 edition stayed under 2.5, and Liga MX have scored in all four meetings. Last year in Austin, Sam Surridge opened the scoring inside half an hour and MLS never trailed. Meanwhile, the 2024 result still stings enough to keep both leagues honest about how seriously they take this.
MLS All-Star Game 2026 Rosters & Key Absences
There are no traditional lineups to project here. All-star coaches share minutes around and confirm their starting XIs on the night. The rosters still tell you plenty. You can find both squads in full in our MLS All-Star Game 2026 roster guide. For broadcast details, see how to watch the MLS All-Star Game, which is live on Apple TV.
MLS All-Stars
Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith picked a 29-man squad from 18 clubs. Fans voted in 11 players, Smith added 12 selections, and the commissioner made two picks. The squad has since been reshaped. Hugo Cuypers left for Monterrey and Mbekezeli Mbokazi is injured, so Philip Zinckernagel and Guilherme join Bright and Cubas as replacements. Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller headline the group after their high-profile moves to MLS. Meanwhile, 13 of the 29 featured at this summer’s World Cup. The catch is the two names missing. Messi and De Paul are both on mandatory rest after Argentina’s run to the World Cup final. As a result, the fan-vote winner will watch this one from a distance.
Liga MX All-Stars
Liga MX have now named a final 24-man squad, with Toluca coach Antonio Mohamed in charge. Cruz Azul lead the way with five players, while Toluca and Pachuca have four each. The headline news is who dropped out. Keylor Navas, Nahuel Guzmán and reigning Golden Boot winner Joao Pedro all withdrew among eight late replacements. Veteran striker Salomón Rondón and 2024 All-Star MVP Juan Brunetta carry the star power instead. There is more on the Mexican league’s contenders over on our Liga MX hub.
Potential Match-Winners
- Petar Musa (FC Dallas): His 13 goals in 2026 are as many as anyone in MLS. He gives Dean Smith the most in-form nine on the roster.
- Evander (FC Cincinnati): The playmaker has 10 goals from midfield this season. He is the likeliest MLS player to produce something between the lines.
- Pep Biel (Charlotte FC): The hometown pick has 7 goals this season. If Smith gives him minutes on his own field, the crowd angle writes itself.
- Salomón Rondón (Liga MX All-Stars): The former Premier League striker leads the line for Antonio Mohamed. Liga MX brought exactly this type of veteran finisher when they hammered MLS in 2024.
MLS All-Stars vs Liga MX Prediction
MLS get the crowd, the deeper squad and the series lead, and Liga MX arrive without several first-pick names. However, the visitors have scored in every meeting between the leagues, so a shutout looks the least likely outcome. Expect an open game in the series pattern: goals at both ends, and a home side with more late-game depth. Take the MLS win with MLS All-Stars to win at +120 with bet365, with a 3-1 scoreline the natural landing spot. There is more on our soccer predictions page, while our bet365 review rounds out the reading. Kickoff is 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The official MLS All-Star hub carries the full event schedule.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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