Voting for the 2026 MLS All-Star Game opened today, and for the first time in years, MLS fans get to shape the roster in a way that actually matters. On July 29 in Charlotte, the best of Major League Soccer will face off against a star-studded squad from Mexico's LIGA MX in what has become one of the summer's most entertaining exhibitions. Here is how the voting works, who to watch for, and why this all-star tradition remains unmissable soccer.
How MLS All-Star voting works
The 2026 All-Star Game uses a three-way voting system to select the 23-player MLS All-Star roster:
- Fan vote (50%): If you have an MLS account or a valid email, you can vote once per day until June 9. Every vote counts equally toward determining the final roster.
- Player vote (25%): Current MLS players cast their votes, adding a peers-know-best element to the selection.
- Media vote (25%): Journalists and broadcasters round out the tally, ensuring some weight on the side of critical analysis rather than pure popularity.
The system means Lionel Messi, if healthy, would almost certainly make it (fan favorite and a generational talent), but a deserving mid-table playmaker with a huge social media following could also sneak in ahead of a less-marketable defender. It is a balance, and it works.
The opposition: LIGA MX All-Stars
While MLS fans vote, the LIGA MX all-star roster is selected by the league itself and its coaches. Mexico's top division — home to clubs like Monterrey, Cruz Azul, Guadalajara, and Tigres — fields some of the most technical and physical soccer in North America. The LIGA MX squad is typically stronger at the point of selection, with less of a requirement to balance star power with fan appeal.
Historically, the All-Star Game has been competitive. LIGA MX all-stars have won the fixture several times in the past decade, and the matches rarely feel like a coronation for either side. The intensity ramps up late in the summer when both leagues have full fitness and confidence.
Why the All-Star Game still matters
In an age of exhaustion fatigue and fixture congestion, a mid-season exhibition might seem throwaway. It is not. The All-Star Game is one of the few occasions where fans get to see their favorite MLS stars on a genuinely neutral stage, without league points or playoff positioning on the line. There is freedom to play attractive, attacking soccer.
For younger MLS players, an All-Star nod is a career milestone — validation that scouts, fans, and peers see them as tier-one talent. It goes on the resume forever. For international players mid-career, it is a chance to show their league mates from the other side of the border exactly what they bring.
What to watch for
Star matchups in midfield: The creative battle between MLS playmakers and LIGA MX's press-resistant technicians is always the subplot. If MLS can control possession and tempo, they have a real chance.
The young guns: Look for emerging U-23 stars making their All-Star debut. These are often the players who look physically hungry and have the most to prove.
LIGA MX's finishing: Mexican all-star squads are historically lethal on the counter. MLS will need a clean sheet or near-perfect defensive organization to earn a result.
The fan factor: Charlotte is NFL territory, but Bank of America Stadium has hosted great soccer crowds before. A loud, engaged crowd could shift momentum late.
Where to watch
The match airs live on July 29 on MLS media partners and their affiliated networks. Coverage typically starts at 8 p.m. ET. Kickoff times for these exhibitions sometimes shift, so double-check closer to the date.
FAQ
How do I vote? Head to the MLS official website starting today (May 14) through June 9. You will need an MLS account or email to cast votes. One vote per day per person.
Can I vote for international stars? Any player in MLS is eligible, regardless of nationality. That includes Messi, Haaland, and any other designated player or international import.
What happens if I play in MLS and also have a LIGA MX player voting for me? Nothing special — all votes count equally in the formula. The weighting (50% fan, 25% player, 25% media) applies to the whole pool.
Is this exhibition the same as the old All-Star format? The voting system has evolved year to year, but the core idea remains: send the best MLS can field against one of Mexico's best. The opponent and venue change; the stakes stay the same for players' legacies.
Cast your vote now and help shape the roster you want to see in Charlotte. Check upcoming soccer fixtures on Scorelisto to follow the All-Star Game and track your favorite teams throughout the summer.