Major League Soccer and AT&T hosted the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on Tuesday, July 28, 2026 [1].
The event serves as a high-profile showcase for the league's top talent, utilizing agility and shooting competitions to grow the game's visibility in the U.S. and Mexico.
The competition took place at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina [2]. The event began at 7:30 p.m. ET [1], featuring a roster that represented nine MLS teams [3]. The challenge pitted MLS stars against players from Liga MX in a series of specialized contests designed to test technical precision and speed.
AT&T served as the presenting sponsor for the evening. As the official wireless and wireline provider of MLS, the company sponsors the event to create memorable moments for fans and increase the sport's reach both on and off the pitch [4].
While the roster focused on established stars, the event also highlighted emerging talent from the developmental ranks. Two goalkeepers from MLS NEXT Pro, Pedro Cruz and Will Mackay, participated in the challenge [3]. Additionally, Edouard Nys joined the competition as the sole outfield player representing MLS NEXT Pro [5].
These inclusion efforts allow younger players to compete alongside the league's elite in a non-traditional match format. The shooting and agility drills provided a different metric of success than a standard 90-minute game, focusing on individual skill, and athletic performance under pressure.
“The event serves as a high-profile showcase for the league's top talent.”
By integrating MLS NEXT Pro players into the All-Star festivities, the league is signaling a stronger connection between its developmental pipeline and its premier stage. The partnership with AT&T and the inclusion of Liga MX players further emphasize the league's strategy to expand its commercial footprint and regional influence across North America.
