Three days of soccer celebration begins Monday in Charlotte with FC Cincinnati players set to compete at 2026 MLS All-Star Week. Orange and Blue players will be part of the MLS All-Star Game, the MLS Skills Challenge and the MLS NEXT All-Star Game.
Take a look below for more information on all of the events surrounding MLS All-Star Week and how to follow along with the Orange and Blue.
MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate – Connor Dale, Dom Lester
Monday, July 27 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Watch: MLS’ YouTube channel and on MLSsoccer.com
FC Cincinnati Academy goalkeeper Connor Dale and defender Dom Lester were selected to the East Roster for the East vs. West style match taking place on Monday, July 27 at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews, North Carolina. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
The MLS NEXT All-Star Game will feature 44 of the best young players from across the country and will showcase the future soccer stars of North America. Players selected have competed in either MLS NEXT regular season play or in at least one of MLS NEXT’s premier events – MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, Generation adidas Cup or MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs – in 2025/26.
Dale and Lester continue the FC Cincinnati Academy’s representation in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game as they become the eighth and ninth players to be selected to the MLS NEXT All-Star Roster since 2022. The FC Cincinnati Academy have had at least one player selected to the MLS NEXT All-Star Roster in each year of the competition.
MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T – Evander
Tuesday, July 28 – 7:30 p.m. ET
Watch: Apple TV
FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander will compete in the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge for a third consecutive season. Last year, Evander broke the record for the most points scored by an individual player in the All-Star Shooting Challenge (72). The event this year takes place at Truist Field in Charlotte.
New this year, each challenge will crown its own champion, marking a shift from the traditional MLS versus opponent format used in previous years.
In addition to standout players from MLS and Liga MX, the competition will feature participation from MLS NEXT Pro and special guests. For more information about the format, roster and the five challenges, click here.
MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime – Evander
Wednesday, July 29 – 8 p.m. ET
Watch: Apple TV
Evander is one of 29 MLS players set to compete against the best of Mexico’s Liga MX in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. The MLS side look to follow up last year's 3-1 victory over the best of Liga MX in the All-Star Game.
Evander’s selection to the MLS All-Star Roster is his third consecutive call to represent MLS’ Best (2024-26). Evander’s inclusion on the 29-man roster comes by way of a Coach’s Selection, from All-Star Head Coach Dean Smith.
For the full roster and more information, click here.
