New Jersey Players Shine as MLS 2026 Season Kicks Off

With the World Cup coming to the U.S. in 2026, homegrown MLS talent from the Garden State is ready to make its mark.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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As the 2026 MLS season kicks off, a number of players with New Jersey roots are poised to make an impact on the field. From young Homegrown signings to seasoned veterans, these Garden State natives are showcasing the state's deep soccer talent pool ahead of the World Cup coming to the U.S. later this year.

Why it matters

The rise of Homegrown players in MLS highlights the growing strength of youth development in the U.S., especially in soccer hotbeds like New Jersey. With the World Cup returning to American soil, these local stars will have a chance to shine on the global stage and inspire the next generation of New Jersey soccer talent.

The details

The list of New Jersey players in MLS includes rising stars like NYCFC's Arroyave, Philadelphia's Bedoya, and Atlanta's Hibbert, as well as veterans like Cincinnati's Miazga and the Red Bulls' Mitchell. Many came up through local youth academies and college programs before signing Homegrown deals with their MLS clubs.

  • The 2026 MLS season kicks off on February 21, 2026.
  • The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting in June 2026.

The players

Arroyave

A 17-year-old midfielder who signed a Homegrown deal with New York City FC in January 2025.

Alejandro Bedoya

A 38-year-old attacking midfielder in his 11th season with the Philadelphia Union, where he has 25 goals and 33 assists in 268 regular-season appearances.

Andre Hibbert

A 21-year-old Jamaican international goalkeeper who grew up in Teaneck and moved up to Atlanta United's first team in 2025.

Matt Miazga

A defender who had 169 appearances across Europe before transferring to Cincinnati in 2022.

Tom Mitchell

A 22-year-old forward who led Wake Forest with nine goals in 2025 and made his MLS debut with the Red Bulls that year.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will feature several of these New Jersey-born MLS players representing the United States national team, is set to kick off in June 2026.

The takeaway

The strong representation of New Jersey talent in MLS underscores the state's status as a soccer hotbed, producing players who are ready to shine on the biggest stages both domestically and internationally. As the World Cup approaches, these homegrown stars will have a chance to inspire the next generation of Garden State soccer talent.