MLS and Liga MX players competed in the Relay Challenge at Truist Park in Charlotte on Tuesday, July 28 [1].

The event serves as a primary showcase of the rivalry between the two leagues during the 2026 All-Star festivities. By pitting top talent from both organizations against one another, the competition highlights the growing technical parity and competitive tension between the U.S.-based league and the Mexican circuit.

The relay race was a central component of the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, presented by AT&T [2]. The roster for the challenge featured players from nine different MLS teams [3]. This diverse selection ensured a broad representation of the league's current talent pool across the competition.

Among the participants were two goalkeepers from MLS NEXT Pro, Pedro Cruz and Will Mackay [3]. Their inclusion adds a developmental layer to the event, allowing prospects from the lower division to compete alongside established stars on a major stage.

The event took place at Truist Park, providing a high-profile venue for the cross-border competition [4]. The format of the relay challenge was designed to test speed, precision, and teamwork under the pressure of a regional rivalry [2, 4].

Organizers designed the festivities to promote the league's star power while maintaining the commercial partnership with AT&T [5]. The relay remains one of the most anticipated segments of the All-Star week, blending athletic skill with the promotional goals of the league's corporate sponsors [5].

“MLS and Liga MX players competed in the Relay Challenge at Truist Park in Charlotte.”

The integration of MLS NEXT Pro players alongside established MLS and Liga MX stars signals a strategic effort to bridge the gap between developmental tiers and elite professional play. By framing the event as a regional rivalry, the league leverages the historical tension between the U.S. and Mexican football cultures to increase viewership and commercial value for sponsors.