World Cup to MLS pipeline: six stars who could move to MLS

The 2026 World Cup will bring many of the game’s biggest names to the United States, and with 48 teams some players are likely to play outsized roles. Several stars — Mohamed Salah, Neymar, Bernardo Silva and Casemiro among them — enter the tournament with uncertain club futures, having seen contracts run down or agreed buyouts and, at the time of writing, technically without clubs.

That uncertainty turns the post-tournament window into an obvious opportunity for Major League Soccer. Mohamed Salah left Liverpool midway through the season and his next destination remains unclear. San Diego FC has an obvious connection through its Egyptian ownership, while NYCFC have been linked as they seek a marquee signing for the opening of Etihad Park and extra attacking firepower.

MLS commissioner Don Garber publicly pleaded for Salah’s arrival; his signing would rank behind only Lionel Messi and David Beckham among MLS arrivals. Casemiro looks close to an MLS move after deciding to leave Manchester United.

United States, San Diego

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