As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws nearer, Major League Soccer is becoming a vital platform for nearly two dozen players aiming to make a significant impact on football’s largest international stage. While all eyes are on Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, who is expected to lead Argentina if fit, several other MLS stars are positioning themselves as serious Golden Boot candidates during this crucial MLS season.
Among these hopefuls is Minnesota United’s James Rodriguez, who seeks to reclaim his spot on Colombia’s national team. The upcoming tournament is set to feature a stronger MLS influence than any previous World Cup, including the 1994 edition when the league was still nascent. With seasoned stars and emerging talents, coaches like Mauricio Pochettino will be closely scrutinizing performances across North America in the months ahead.
Son Heung-Min’s Ambitious World Cup Campaign
Son Heung-Min, the South Korean captain and LAFC’s record signing from Tottenham, quickly raised the bar for star signings in MLS with a reported $26.5 million transfer last year. He made an immediate impact, notching 12 goals and three assists in just 13 games throughout 2025, including memorable moments like his outstanding free-kick equalizer against Vancouver in the playoffs.
Starting the 2026 season with two assists in two matches, Son’s influence remains undeniable at 33 years old. Though his pace has slowed somewhat, he continues to be one of the most dangerous wingers globally and a vital player for South Korea. His experience, pace, finishing, and game vision are expected to make him a key figure, especially as South Korea faces tough matches such as their group clash against Mexico in Guadalajara.
If South Korea advances deep into the competition, Son’s ability to perform under pressure could elevate his chances of vying for the tournament’s Golden Boot and lead his team with the leadership earned from 140 international appearances and 54 goals.
James Rodriguez’s Quest for International Redemption
James Rodriguez remains Colombia’s second-highest all-time scorer with 31 goals and 41 assists in 122 international games. Having won the 2014 World Cup Golden Boot and moved to clubs like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton, Rodriguez’s career has faced challenges. Recently, he moved to MLS with Minnesota United to regain form and catch the attention of Colombia’s coach Néstor Lorenzo.
Despite the wear on his legs at 34, Rodriguez’s skill with set pieces and playmaking are still elite. While his stamina may limit him to substitute appearances, especially in physically demanding settings like the Estadio Azteca, his strategic role as a 60-minute impact player could result in valuable goals for Colombia.
Miguel Almirón Rekindles His Form at Atlanta United
Miguel Almirón made a return to Atlanta United in early 2025, rejoining the MLS club that launched his star career. His former coach, Tata Martino, also returned to guide Paraguay’s national team, hoping to leverage the winger’s proven talent in high-pressure situations. Almirón has been a catalyst for Atlanta, contributing 12 goal involvements with six goals and six assists across 31 starts last year.
At 32, Almirón remains a crucial playmaker, known for his speed and ability to cut inside from the right wing, qualities that make him a challenging opponent for defenders. Having played 15 CONMEBOL qualifiers, Almirón helped Paraguay secure a return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence. His presence will be pivotal, especially as the United States prepare to face Paraguay on June 12.
Joseph Paintsil’s Growing Impact with LA Galaxy
For the Los Angeles Galaxy, Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil has emerged as a dependable and electrifying force since joining MLS. Renowned for his blistering speed and ability to breach defenses through dribbling, Paintsil has amassed 24 goals and 16 assists in 58 appearances. His talent for unlocking tight defenses and delivering clinical finishes makes him a constant threat.
Although Paintsil has struggled with injuries that have limited his involvement in Ghana’s national team — where he has earned 17 caps — his improving fitness and form in MLS bolster his case for a spot on Ghana’s World Cup roster. At 28, he exemplifies the experienced core of a youthful squad seeking to re-establish Ghana as a formidable force in international tournaments.
Petar Musa’s Rising Profile with FC Dallas and Croatia
FC Dallas forward Petar Musa is on the edge of Croatia’s World Cup squad, but his strong showings in MLS may sway coach Zlatko Dalić to include him. Musa has been a prolific scorer in MLS, accumulating 37 goals and 10 assists in just 58 games. His sharp finishing and aerial prowess are essential traits for success on the World Cup stage.
Musa began the 2026 season impressively with two goals in two matches, positioning himself as a potential central striker to succeed veteran Luka Modrić. Croatia’s usual strategy of distributing goals among several players could shift, with Musa offering a robust physical presence and penalty-box instincts.
His group featuring England, Ghana, and Panama offers a favorable tactical landscape. While a single strong performance against England might be required, Musa expects more open opportunities in the other matches. Should Croatia progress into the knockout rounds, Musa has the potential to score between five and seven goals, echoing the breakthrough campaigns of James Rodriguez in 2014 or Thomas Müller in 2010.
MLS Stars Set to Influence the 2026 World Cup Outcome
As Major League Soccer emerges as a breeding ground for World Cup talent beyond Lionel Messi, the league’s rising stars are poised to make significant impacts on the tournament’s scoring charts. Players like Son Heung-Min and Petar Musa bring a blend of skill and experience that could propel their teams through challenging group stages, while veterans such as James Rodriguez and Miguel Almirón aim for redemption and leadership roles.
The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to feature a notable MLS footprint, underscoring the league’s evolution from a developing competition to a formidable contributor to international soccer. Fans and national team coaches alike will watch closely as these MLS forwards battle for the Golden Boot and World Cup glory in the months ahead.
