Jackson Ragen, a standout defender for Seattle Sounders FC, has achieved his first career selection to the 2026 MLS All-Star Team. This notable call-up positions Ragen as one of 16 players chosen specifically as a “coach’s selection” by Dean Smith, the head coach of Charlotte FC. These coach’s picks augment the squad that also features 11 fan-voted All-Stars, reflecting widespread public support, alongside two additional selections made by the commissioner. The combined MLS All-Stars are scheduled to compete against a formidable team composed of All-Stars from Liga MX. This highly anticipated fixture is set to occur on July 29 at the Bank of America Stadium, located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ragen’s Defensive Excellence Recognised
The inclusion of Jackson Ragen in the All-Star squad serves as a clear indication that he has firmly established himself among the elite centrebacks within Major League Soccer. Throughout the current 2026 season, the Seattle-born player has consistently demonstrated his significant value, particularly through his contributions in possession. His approach to the game sees him rank as one of the highest-touch centrebacks across MLS. Beyond his individual ball-playing attributes, Ragen has played an integral role in the Seattle Sounders’ defensive solidity, helping to guide the club to one of the premier defensive records recorded in MLS this year.
Goalkeeper Choices Spark Debate
The selection of goalkeepers for the 2026 MLS All-Star Team has drawn particular attention, with Andrew Thomas considered a prominent omission. Andrew Thomas’s season statistics present a compelling case for his inclusion. He is currently tied for the second fewest goals allowed across the league, having conceded only 11 goals. Furthermore, Thomas leads all MLS goalkeepers with the highest save percentage, standing at an impressive 78.8 per cent. His reliability is further underscored by the fact that he has registered the fourth most shutouts, accumulating five clean sheets over the course of the season. Thomas is also credited for the most goals prevented per 90 minutes, demonstrating a rate of 0.5. This exceptional performance culminates in him holding the best overall goals-prevented rate in all of MLS, at 1.6.
Despite Thomas’s statistical superiority, coach Dean Smith opted to select Matt Freese and Maxime Crepeau for the All-Star roster. The reasoning behind these specific choices was presumably linked to their prior experience as World Cup starters. However, an analysis of various metrics indicates that, in 2026 MLS play, both Freese and Crepeau are considered to be goalkeepers of middling performance levels. This contrast has led to discussions regarding the criteria used for the coach’s selections.
A Comprehensive Look at the 2026 All-Star Squad
The final composition of the 2026 MLS All-Star Team features a wide array of talent, drawn from numerous clubs and selected through a tripartite process. The squad balances fan popularity, commissioner’s insight, and the tactical preferences of the head coach.
The complete list of players selected for the 2026 MLS All-Star Team is as follows:
- Goalkeepers (3): Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City SC; Coach’s Selection), Matt Freese (New York City FC; Coach’s Selection), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC; Voted In)
- Defenders (10): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; Coach’s Selection), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids; Coach’s Selection), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC; Commissioner’s Pick), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC; Voted In), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC; Voted In), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew; Coach’s Selection), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes; Coach’s Selection), Andy Najar (Nashville SC; Voted In), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC; Coach’s Selection), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; Voted In)
- Midfielders (9): Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Voted In), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC; Coach’s Selection), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami CF; Coach’s Selection), Evander (FC Cincinnati; Coach’s Selection), Carles Gil (New England Revolution; Coach’s Selection), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake; Voted In), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC; Voted In), Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Coach’s Selection), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC; Coach’s Selection)
- Forwards (7): Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC; Voted In), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC; Coach’s Selection), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York; Commissioner’s Pick), Son Heung-Min (LAFC; Voted In), Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF; Voted In), Petar Musa (FC Dallas; Coach’s Selection), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC; Coach’s Selection)
Among the forwards, global football icons Leo Messi of Inter Miami CF and Son Heung-Min from LAFC were both chosen by fan votes, reflecting their immense popularity. The midfield selections include notable international figures such as Thomas Müller, representing Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Rodrigo De Paul from Inter Miami CF, both of whom received coach’s selections. Defenders like Tim Ream, playing for Charlotte FC, were fan-voted, while Richie Laryea of Toronto FC was one of the commissioner’s picks.
With a squad assembled from various selection criteria, featuring both established stars and emerging talents, the MLS All-Stars will now turn their attention to the impending challenge. They are set to face a representative team of Liga MX All-Stars in Charlotte on July 29, promising an engaging cross-league encounter.