Selected first overall by D.C. United in Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft, the imposing center back joined GOAL Convo to explain why a rebuild doesn’t intimidate him.
D.C. United selected North Carolina State center back Nikola Markovic with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, turning to the Generation adidas defender to address defensive needs after a difficult 2025 season. The 21-year-old helped lead the Wolfpack to their first NCAA national championship appearance.
GOAL takes a look at five of the top prospects in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, with plenty of highly-rated players hoping to make an impact from Day 1 in the pros.
Fresh off an MLS Cup title, Inter Miami are already making moves with a repeat championship in mind. According to The Athletic, the club is nearing an agreement to sign Minnesota United and Canada international goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is out of contract following the 2025 season and would arrive to address one of the Herons’ key weaknesses.
Club América have begun shaping their roster for the Clausura 2026 and have identified Obed Vargas as a potential reinforcement for their midfield. According to a report from ESPN, América’s front office has already made contact with the Seattle Sounders midfielder, as the player is also weighing his future in Major League Soccer following the recently completed season.
Inter Miami CF announced today the signing of legendary striker Luis Suárez to a contract extension through the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The Uruguayan forward, who joined the club ahead of the 2024 campaign, has been instrumental in the team’s recent successes and will continue to lead the attack as Miami aim to build on their historic achievements.
Lionel Messi received an incredibly rare $1.1 million gift from an Indian billionaire during his 'GOAT Tour' of India. The Argentina and Inter Miami star, who recently won his maiden MLS Cup in the U.S., was in the country on a four-day visit which kicked off chaotically in Kolkata last Saturday. The 38-year-old travelled across four cities in India during his stay.
Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller has opened up on his new life in North America, revealing a bizarre mix of new hobbies including rapping and yodelling, but the Vancouver Whitecaps captain has made a candid admission about his language struggles, confessing he is simply "too lazy" to improve his English skills despite his best intentions.
The winner of The Best FIFA Men's Player award for 2025 has been announced, with Paris-Saint Germain attacker and Ballon d'Or holder Ousmane Dembele once again scooping the top prize after an exceptional season. The voting for the awards has also now been revealed, showing who the biggest names in the sport picked as their top choices, including Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Virgil van Dijk, and England manager Thomas Tuchel.
New Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria has vowed to do "whatever it takes" to bring club legend Lionel Messi back to Camp Nou. The club are due to hold presidential elections in 2026, with Ciria having thrown his hat into the ring alongside current chief Joan Laporta, Victor Font and Xavi Vilajoana. Ciria claims Barcelona "need" Messi back but stopped short of clarifying what kind of role the Argentina star could take up.
Timo Werner could be set for a shock exit from European football as a new suitor emerges from the United States to end his Bundesliga nightmare. The former Chelsea and Tottenham forward has emerged as a concrete option for Major League Soccer side San Jose Earthquakes, with veteran coach Bruce Arena driving the move for the RB Leipzig outcast.
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski is reportedly 'open' to joining MLS side the Chicago Fire on a free transfer at the end of the season. The 37-year-old has held positive talks with the club about a potential move after his contract with Hansi Flick's side expires. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami have also been credited with interest in Lewandowski but may now miss out on the goalscoring great.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber addressed two issues central to the league’s long-term direction - the possibility of promotion and relegation and the continued expansion - outlining the financial realities and developmental priorities that continue to shape its approach, even as growth opportunities remain on the horizon.
Luis Suarez is on the verge of signing a new contract to remain at Inter Miami, according to multiple reports. The Uruguayan striker faced an uncertain future after his deal expired at the end of the 2025 season, but a new one-year agreement is now close that would keep him with the club through the 2026 campaign.
Lionel Messi has seen a return to his roots in Argentina speculated on in the recent past, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner boasting emotional ties to Newell’s Old Boys. A presidential candidate there - ahead of elections being held - has explained what would need to happen in order for the Inter Miami superstar to leave MLS and head back home to Rosario.
Inter Miami will not be resting on their laurels after savouring a historic MLS Cup success, with domestic rivals being warned that Lionel Messi and Co have their “bar reset to a higher level” ahead of a bid for more major honours in 2026. The Herons are kings of North America for now, with the plan being to cement that status when going back-to-back.
Inter Miami are reportedly plotting a stunning swoop for Robert Lewandowski that would see the prolific Polish striker join forces with Lionel Messi. The Herons will be looking to defend their MLS Cup crown in 2026 and intend to make more marquee additions to their ranks. Co-owner Sir David Beckham is among those scouring the market, with Lewandowski registering on his recruitment radar.
Former United States men’s national team captain Michael Bradley has been appointed head coach of the New York Red Bulls, the club announced Monday. The 38-year-old New Jersey native steps into the first-team role just six months into his professional coaching career, after leading New York Red Bulls II to the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro championship.
Inter Miami CF have secured the services of experienced Spanish left back Sergio Reguilón on a long-term contract, the club announced Monday. The 28-year-old defender joins as a free agent after his departure from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and will remain with the Herons through December 2027, with a club option that could extend his stay until December 2028.
After months of speculation about their long-term future in Vancouver, the Whitecaps appear to have found a path forward in the Canadian city. Fresh off their first MLS Cup final appearance, the club announced plans with the City of Vancouver for a new stadium. After more than a decade at BC Place, Vancouver are preparing to negotiate the construction of a purpose-built venue at Hastings Park.
The LA Galaxy are in advanced talks to acquire Philadelphia Union center back Jakob Glesnes, according to a report from The Athletic. The proposed deal would reportedly exceed $1 million in General Allocation Money and include performance-based incentives, a valuation that reflects Glesnes’ standing as one of MLS’s top defenders.
The 2025 MLS Cup delivered record-breaking viewership on Dec. 6, drawing a combined 4.6 million viewers across platforms and setting new benchmarks for fan engagement. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF capped the night by winning their first MLS Cup title with a 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Chase Stadium.
The first stop of Lionel Messi's India tour took an unexpected turn as angry fans ripped up seats and hurled objects onto the pitch as chaos descended at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. The unsavoury scenes came due to fan disgruntlement at Messi's brief 20-minute appearance, where they 'could not see his face'. The event organiser has been detained as a result of the incident and an enquiry is ongoing.
Mohamed Salah has been urged to follow Son Heung-min's example and head to Major League Soccer in January, with Chris Waddle insisting the Liverpool legend should consider a new life in America as age and tactical demands catch up with him. With tensions under Arne Slot still raw, the Egyptian winger is again being pushed toward an Anfield exit as speculation intensifies.
The Colorado Rapids are expected to appoint Tottenham Hotspur assistant Matt Wells as their next head coach, according to a report from The Athletic. Wells, 37, would be stepping into his first senior managerial role and would become one of the youngest head coaches in MLS when he arrives ahead of the 2026 season.
Mic'd Up: The Apple TV analyst breaks down Inter Miami’s MLS Cup win, explains why Messi still decides everything, backs MLS’s move to a fall-spring calendar, and tips LA Galaxy to rebound in 2026.
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