NYCFC's 2026 MLS SuperDraft picks have the potential to make the team | OneFootball

On Thursday, New York City FC and the rest of Major League Soccer participated in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft. This year, the Bronx side picked four players, one less than last year's five. It is interesting how the Pigeons have been slightly more open with the draft, for in the past, they have often traded away picks and only picked a few players.

Nonetheless, NYCFC picked one player in the first round, one in the second, and two in the third. Ransford Gyan, Kevin Pierre, Joey Mueller, and Luca Nikolai were all fortunate to hear their names called in the draft. Of course, it does not guarantee a spot on the team, for only two of the five players signed first-team contracts from last year's draft, and one signed with NYCFC II.

Still, the draft picks will be given a fair chance to join NYCFC. All four have been successful in their collegiate careers.

About the NYCFC draft picks

The first pick was Gyan, and he was the 27th pick in the first round. The Clemson University forward was listed as one of the top wingers available in the draft. It is not surprising since he had 13 goals and 14 assists during his two years of college. This season, he was the ACC Midfielder of the Year, highlighting that he can play up front and in the midfield.

Then, Pierre was picked in the second round as the 57th pick. He played three seasons with Georgia Southern University after transferring from Lander University. The midfielder appeared in most of his games at Georgia Southern and played the third-most minutes on his team in 2025. Hence, NYCFC picked up someone who appears to be reliable and consistent with his availability.

Joey Mueller was also selected after the Boys in Blue picked him in the third round. The 71st overall pick from the University of Central Florida played three years of college soccer. He redshirted his freshman year and slowly grew into the team. He went from playing four matches in 2023 to 21 in 2025. The midfielder had three goals and five assists with UCF.

Finally, NYCFC picked Nikolai from the University of North Carolina. He was picked 87th after one year with the Tar Heels. He spent his freshman and sophomore years at James Madison University, and it seems the switch might have put him on the path to being drafted. The right-back, who was another player listed as an MLS top prospect in his position, scored three goals and registered seven assists in the 2025 season. Truthfully, his experience playing in the Borussia Mönchengladbach academy in Germany might make him the most promising draft pick of 2025.

NYCFC will have some decisions to make when the preseason begins. Plus, a player or two might choose to return to college. Although they cannot be drafted again. Still, the Bronx side has the first right to sign them if they choose to do so, at least through December 31, 2027. It will be interesting to see what happens with the four picks.