FC Dallas forwards Jesús Ferreira (left) and Paul Arriola (right). Photo Credit: Aaron E. Martinez (USA Today / IMAGN)
As countries prepare for one final tune-up before the World Cup in Qatar, rosters for the September FIFA international window have plenty of MLS talent.
Thirty-three MLS players have earned call-ups to 12 World Cup-bound nations, with MLS’ regional influence highlighted by 11 players earning the nod for Canada, eight for the United States, and one each for Costa Rica and Mexico.
Among the USMNT call-ups are MLS goalkeeper of the year contender Sean Johnson of New York City FC and Golden Boot contender Jesús Ferreira of FC Dallas. Sixteen players on the U.S. and Canadian rosters have spent time in MLS academies or played at least three seasons in MLS before moving abroad. That includes Bayern Munich defender Alphonso Davies and Leeds United midfielders Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.
Four MLS players were called into Ecuador’s camp ahead of games against Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Qatar, while Atlanta United midfielder Thiago Almada earned his first-ever call-up for Argentina this month. Almada’s recent run of form has kept Atlanta United in postseason contention down the stretch, as he is tied for second among first-year MLS players in goal contributions with 17, including six goals and 11 assists this season. Martín Cáceres returns to duty for Uruguay after signing with the LA Galaxy this summer.
Two UEFA standouts will rejoin their nations as well, with Los Angeles Football Club forward Gareth Bale and Chicago Fire FC midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri earning call-ups to Wales and Switzerland, respectively. Bale, who will face the USMNT during the World Cup group stage, and LAFC sit atop the Supporters’ Shield standings, while Shaqiri leads all first-year MLS players in goal contributions with seven goals and 11 assists in 2022.
Here is a list of the most represented MLS clubs among World Cup-bound countries in the September FIFA international window:
Los Angeles FC (6)
CF Montréal (5)
Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC (3)
FC Dallas (2)
14 clubs (1)
