9️⃣ players to watch as the 2026 MLS Season returns | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup is over, and we bring our attention back to Major League Soccer as we kick off the second half of the season.

Here are some of the stars and breakout candidates who could shape the second half of the season.

Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps)

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One of the breakout stars in the West was tipped to perform highly at the World Cup, and with his former USMNT head coach-for-a-father watching, he did!

Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter impressed under Mauricio Pochettino, notably featuring in all five World Cup games and registering a goal plus an assist against Turkiye. That made him the first American in the modern era to record one goal and one assist in a World Cup match.

He already has 10 combined goals and assists in 14 MLS appearances this season, something he'll look to build on after gaining some confidence seeing his stock rise.

Casemiro (Inter Miami)

One of the biggest stories following the resumption of the MLS season is Inter Miami's signing of Casemiro. The five-time Champions League winner arrives in South Florida as another marquee addition to a star-studded squad, with hopes of helping Miami strengthen their push for MLS Cup.

The Brazilian could well make his debut this weekend after completing his move late last week, bringing a wealth of experience and winning mentality to Nu Stadium.

Casemiro made more than 120 appearances for Manchester United, winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his time at Old Trafford. While his impact won't be measured in goals, his ability to control games, break up attacks and lead by example could prove just as valuable as Miami chase more silverware.

Robert Lewandowski (Chicago Fire)

One of the biggest headlines as we return to the MLS season was Chicago's signing of Robert Lewandowski from Barcelona. The 37-year-old is the latest to come to America as a blockbuster transfer, hoping to help the Fire rise from third to first.

Lewandowski was denied a debut against Thomas Müller's Whitecaps due to smoky weather conditions, so it remains to be seen how he will kick off this new chapter.

He scored 14 goals from 31 appearances for the Blaugrana last season and walked away with a stunning record of 120 in 193. Though it's not really about how many he'll score for Chicago, rather, it's when. Everyone will be on high alert to watch his first hit the back of the net.

Kevin Kelsy (Portland Timbers)

One of the youngsters who impressed in the first half of the season was Kevin Kelsy of the Portland Timbers. And he's already back up and running after the restart!

At just 21 years old, the Venezuelan centre-forward is impressing at the club, having scored 26% of their overall goals this season. He netted twice against Seattle Sounders, the first a looping header and the second a quick reaction to poke the ball home after crashing the box.

The brace sees him lead Portland's scoring charts this season, and after impressing against a rival, we're sure he will be flowing with confidence in the second half showing. 

Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

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Naturally, how can we not mention Lionel Messi? The Argentina captain went all the way to the 2026 World Cup final while staying in contention for the Golden Boot. His ever-reliable presence for the national team is something we expect to continue for Inter Miami.

The Herons sit in second place in the Eastern Conference, largely thanks to Messi's brilliance. He already has 12 goals and seven assists after only 14 appearances this season. 

That said, it will be interesting to see whether the 39-year-old experiences any fatigue as he re-enters the regular season. World Cup players are often given deserved breaks, and if Miami allows Messi to take a temporary vacation, who will step up in his absence? Without his impact, will the Herons struggle to fight for first? 

Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City)

A second headline signing heading into the back half of the season is Antoine Griezmann joining Orlando City. The Frenchman arrives in the United States after an impressive final season in Spain, where he registered 14 goals and eight assists across all competitions.

The Lions will look to the 35-year-old's storied experience to help lift them up from 13th in the table after just four wins so far. That poor form sees the club sit third last in the Eastern Conference. 

That said, Griezmann has said he's prepared to be a leader for Orlando. "I want to win the championship, score goals, provide assists, encourage kids to play football and make them Orlando City fans," he said. "I came for all of this: I want to take Orlando City to the top of football in the United States."

How big will his impact be?

Julian Hall (New York Red Bulls)

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Another youngster with his name in lights during the first half of the season was Julian Hall of the New York Red Bulls. And he's perhaps the most talked-about teenager currently in MLS.

The 18-year-old has a stunning 13 goal contributions (nine goals and four assists) from just 15 appearances. Add to that, there are also three other goals from two U.S Open Cup showings. Such numbers look like that of a veteran centre forward, rather than a high-school graduate.

After feeling refreshed from the break, it's time to see whether or not he will continue generating such hype. 

Son Heung-min (LAFC)

After an early World Cup exit, Son Heung-min appears to be back and ready to put his best foot forward with LAFC.

The 34-year-old was a staple creative presence for the club prior to the international break, registering nine assists to help them sit third in West. That includes a statement showing against Orlando, where he produced five alone!

Now, however, Son appears hungry for goals. He scored his first of the season during the first game back against rivals LA Galaxy. Perhaps an early elimination from the World Cup and some rest was just what he needed?

Richie Laryea

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After an impressive run to the Round of 16 with Canada, defender Richie Laryea will be a player with the weight of BMO Field on his shoulders.

The veteran right-back demonstrated his veteran persona at the World Cup by playing a full 90 minutes in almost every one of Canada's games. A five-game starter, the earliest he was ever substituted off was the 78th minute.

TFC's injury issues before the break have left them struggling in 12th place in the East, but Laryea is the voice and presence at the back who can guide the team up the standings if and when he's at his best.

Looking at his stats, he has 15 goals and 26 assists in 155 appearances across all competitions for the club. He was also selected as an MLS All-Star. Will the hometown talent rise to the occasion in the second half of the season?

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