Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app.As the soccer universe descends on North America for the 2026 World Cup, Major League Soccer will be well represented at the tournament held on home soil.While not near the levels of the Premier League, La Liga or the Bundesliga, MLS representation at the World Cup is at an all-time high. MLS clubs will send 44 players to the tournament, seventh-most in the world. That figure is up from 32 in 2022 and 19 in 2018.That contingent is led by the greatest player of all time.When Argentina kicks off its title defense, Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi will be there, still the leading figure for his country, and he’ll be joined by club teammate Rodrigo De Paul.The 38-year-old Messi is not alone in being an aging superstar from MLS who is at the forefront of his nation’s World Cup hopes. LAFC’s Son Heung-min, 33, will spearhead South Korea’s efforts, while Colombian legend James Rodriguez, 34, is still technically a Minnesota United player, though he will depart the club when his contract expires at the end of June.Elsewhere, it’s little surprise that the United States and Canada squads both carry MLS representation, to the tune of eight players each.Beyond that, rising talents like South Africa center back duo Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), as well as Australia defender Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids) show the diversification in age profile.