MLS Players Juggle Club and Country Ahead of World Cup

As the 2026 MLS season kicks off, players must balance domestic duties with World Cup aspirations

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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The start of the 2026 MLS season marks the beginning of a delicate balancing act for players hoping to make their national team's World Cup roster later this year. While some, like NYCFC's Matt Freese, are already firmly in the mix, others like the New York Red Bulls' Cade Cowell are fighting for a last-minute call-up. Meanwhile, veteran LAFC captain Hugo Lloris has retired from international duty and is focused solely on his club, using his experience to guide younger players. Across the league, the World Cup looms large as players navigate the demands of their clubs and countries.

Why it matters

The 2026 World Cup, the first to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, presents a unique opportunity for MLS to capitalize on the global spotlight. However, the timing of the tournament, just months after the MLS season kicks off, creates a complex situation for players who must juggle their club and international commitments. How they manage this balance could have significant implications for both their individual careers and the growth of soccer in North America.

The details

The start of the MLS season marks a final chance for many players to impress their national team coaches before World Cup rosters are finalized in late spring. NYCFC's Matt Freese, who has become a regular for the USMNT, is focused on staying present and performing well for his club, rather than getting ahead of himself. Meanwhile, players like the Red Bulls' Cade Cowell, who has not been in the national team setup for two years, still harbor hopes of making the World Cup squad. On the other end of the spectrum, LAFC's Hugo Lloris has retired from international duty and is solely focused on his club, using his experience to guide younger players as LAFC aims for trophies in MLS, the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.

  • The 2026 MLS season kicks off on Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 11, 2026.

The players

Matt Freese

A 27-year-old goalkeeper for New York City FC who has become a regular for the U.S. men's national team.

Cade Cowell

A young winger for the New York Red Bulls who is hoping to earn a spot on the U.S. World Cup roster despite not being in the national team setup for the past two years.

Hugo Lloris

A 39-year-old veteran goalkeeper and captain of LAFC who has retired from the French national team after winning the World Cup in 2018 and reaching the final in 2022.

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What they’re saying

“[I'm] incredibly grateful for that opportunity, and really, really just focused on staying as present as possible and doing as well as I can and improving every day so that I can pay them back for that trust they've shown in me.”

— Matt Freese, NYCFC Goalkeeper (CBS Sports)

“I think every American player, it's still a goal to be on the World Cup [roster] and last year, I didn't get a chance to go to any camps. I know the window's tight, but it's in God's hands and whatever happens, I'm going to work my hardest to get there.”

— Cade Cowell, New York Red Bulls Winger (CBS Sports)

“I'm more relaxed than I used to be. I take football in a less intense way, I would say, and that's also one of the reasons I come to discover a new football, a new environment and in a way, I can also enjoy my time with my family so it's a good mix but I still want to compete and I still want to challenge myself but I would say in a different way.”

— Hugo Lloris, LAFC Captain (CBS Sports)

What’s next

National team coaches will finalize their 26-player World Cup rosters in late spring, leaving players a limited window to impress and secure a spot on their country's squad.

The takeaway

The 2026 MLS season will be defined by the delicate balance players must strike between their club and international duties as the World Cup approaches. How they navigate this challenge could have significant implications for their individual careers as well as the growth of soccer in North America.