Soccer’s Future Stars Face off in Queen City for Fifth Annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game Presented by Allstate

NEW YORK – MLS NEXT announced today the player selections, details, and broadcast information for the fifth annual MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate. The match will showcase the future soccer stars of North America in an East vs. West showdown at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, NC on Monday, July 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET, streaming live on MLS’ YouTube channel and MLSsoccer.com. With free admission to the game, fans in Charlotte can watch the standouts of MLS NEXT take center stage during MLS All-Star week. 

• Fans may register for free tickets by clicking HERE.

"Selection to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate is a tremendous accomplishment and a reflection of the trajectory of these players as they continue to develop on and off the field," said Luis Robles, General Manager of Sporting Operations for MLS NEXT. "This event brings together some of the top young talent from across North America and provides a platform to celebrate their achievements while highlighting the connectivity of the MLS player pathway. We congratulate all of the players selected and look forward to watching them represent their clubs and communities in Charlotte." 

MLS NEXT and Allstate will provide the players with unique opportunities during MLS All-Star Week, which will include a full slate of programming events. The festivities include team training, the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T on July 28, and the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime on July 29. 

The 44 players were selected following the conclusion of the 2025-26 regular season and 2026 MLS NEXT Cup presented by Allstate. To be eligible for selection, players must have been born between 2009-11 and have competed in either the MLS NEXT regular season or in at least one of MLS NEXT’s premier events – MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex presented by Allstate, Generation adidas Cup, or MLS NEXT Cup presented by Allstate. 

The East All-Stars will be led by Charlotte FC U18 head coach Jordan Melia. Since arriving in Queen City in 2024, Melia has played a key role in guiding the U18 squad to a runner-up finish in their Conference during the 2025–26 regular season. 

The West will be coached by Seattle Sounders FC U15 head coach Ethan O’Neill and Seattle Sounders FC U-16 head coach Matt Dorman. Dorman joined the academy as the U16 head coach in Aug 2024 after serving as the Academy & Tacoma Defiance developmental analyst since January 2023. A native of Ireland, O’Neill joined the academy in 2024, bringing a wealth of coaching experience that includes serving as Head Coach of CK United’s U15 team in the Irish National League and as Head Coach within the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) Emerging Talent Program.

MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate 

• WHEN: Monday, July 27 | 7:30 pm ET 

• WHERE: Mecklenburg County Sportsplex; 2425 Sports Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105

         Parking Will Be Available in the Various Surrounding Lots

• WATCH: Streaming live on MLS’ YouTube channel and MLSsoccer.com 

• Free to attend by clicking HERE.

About MLS NEXT
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. For more information about MLS NEXT, visit www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext.