8 MLS magicians that will make legendary claim to 2026 FIFA World Cup fame

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered for the superstars. Lionel Messi’s (Inter Miami) title defense leading Argentina and Son Heung-min’s (LAFC) final charge with South Korea will dominate television promos and social media feeds. However, tournaments are rarely won by the biggest names alone. New heroes are created every four years and they can appear from anywhere. The tireless midfield destroyer, the overlooked striker who catches fire, or the veteran playmaker who delivers one last unforgettable bit of genius can become a national legend in a second. Major League Soccer (MLS) will supply more than a few of those stories next summer.

Messi and Son are faces on the billboards, yet they’re far from the whole story. Beyond the blinding glare of the sport’s biggest marquee names, these eight lowkey MLS stars possess the specific tactical profiles, high-leverage roles, and national team backing to completely alter the course of the World Cup this summer.

Petar Musa over Messi

The best pure No. 9 in MLS is about to crash the world’s biggest party. Croatia has built its reputation on producing technically gifted midfielders, but every great tournament run needs a reliable finisher. Petar Musa has quietly become exactly that for FC Dallas, bagging 12 goals (2 assists) in 12 games to start this season. That’s good enough to have overtaken Messi in the MLS MVP polls.

The 6-foot-2 striker combines intelligent movement with an instinctive ability to find space inside the penalty area. Croatia’s aging golden generation still has enough quality to challenge anyone, but it needs fresh attacking options to complement Ivan Perisic, Andrej Kramaric, and Ante Budimir. Musa dropped out of the national team picture once (2023), but the 28-year-old looks primed for a big role this summer.

After a two-year national-team exile, the Zagreb native forced his way back into Croatia’s plans with huge goals in qualifying. The tireless work to earn respect earned a spot on Zlatko Dalić’s final 26 for his first-ever World Cup. Croatia opens Group L against England in Arlington before facing Panama and Ghana. A nation that finished third in 2022 finally has a focal point up top…and he plays his club ball in Texas.

Protecting Messi at all costs

Rodrigo De Paul, the 31‑year‑old heartbeat of Argentina’s midfield nicknamed El Motorcito, is the rare “lowkey” star whose influence outweighs his fame. De Paul has become synonymous with doing the dirty work that frees Messi to be Messi.

After joining Inter Miami permanently in December 2025, De Paul delivered two goals, four assists, and a championship‑level engine en route to lifting the MLS Cup. With 83 caps, three Copa América titles, and a World Cup medal, De Paul enters the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of the most experienced midfielders on the planet. Argentina has gone 46‑11‑5 when De Paul and Messi share the pitch.

De Paul will again be the one sweeping up danger, igniting attacks, and protecting the king as La Albiceleste looks to defend the World Cup crown.

Almirón soaks up Atlanta love

Atlanta United fans never stopped loving him, and now the rest of the world gets a reminder. Almirón, 32, returned to the Five Stripes in 2025 after seven seasons at Newcastle United in the Premier League, slotting back in as captain and creative hub. For Paraguay, Almirón is the centerpiece, holding 75 caps, a team-leading nine international goals, and the experience to anchor La Albirroja’s first World Cup since 2010.

MLS fans remember Almirón as one of the league’s most electrifying talents before his move to England. His return to Atlanta United has brought renewed confidence ahead of Paraguay’s World Cup campaign. Almirón remains the creative heartbeat of his national side, capable of breaking open compact defenses with his dribbling and relentless energy. Paraguay’s style under Gustavo Alfaro is disciplined and defensive, making transition opportunities especially valuable.

If Paraguay makes an unexpected run, Almirón will almost certainly be at the center of it. Andrés Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps), Matías Galarza (Atlanta United), and Braian Ojeda (Orlando City) also got called up to the initial Paraguay squad. Plan to see all four on the field against the scrambling USMNT. Those familiar faces wearing national jerseys should really bring out the emotions.

Australian assault on NYCFC

Kai Trewin is the 25-year-old understudy; watch out for Aiden O’Neill. The Australian defensive midfielder is the quiet assassin of the group. With Socceroos legend Aaron Mooy retired, O’Neill has stepped into the breach as the metronome. For NYCFC, he is the player who gives the ball to the talented players; for Australia, he is the screen that allows the fullbacks to bomb forward. At the World Cup, where Australia will likely be underdogs again, O’Neill’s tactical fouls, interception timing, and simple passing are critical.

O’Neill has quietly become one of MLS’s most complete midfielders. Since arriving in the Big Apple from Europe, the 27-year-old Brisbane native has been the quiet, steady anchor behind NYCFC’s tactical shape, dictating tempo from the base of the midfield and stepping up as a premier ball-winner. His range of passing, tactical discipline, and ability to dictate tempo make him a natural fit for Australia’s possession‑plus‑press identity.

World Cup battles between second-tier squads often become battles of midfield discipline. Australia has built a reputation for frustrating more talented opponents through organization and relentless effort. Aiden O’Neill embodies that identity. With the Socceroos in a generational transition, the NYCFC rock is positioned to become the stabilizing force (and breakout name!) of their 2026 campaign.

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