The Pitch: 33 MLS Players Called up for Final World Cup Preparations

As countries around the globe prepare for one final tune-up before Qatar, rosters for the September 2022 FIFA international window are brimming with 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 presented by Audi contender Jesús Ferreira of FC Dallas. Sixteen players on the U.S. and Canadian rosters have spent significant time in MLS academies or played at least three seasons in MLS before moving abroad, including 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.

A pair of UEFA stars 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.

Below 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 & Toronto FC (3)

FC Dallas (2)

14 clubs (1)

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