MLS Clubs Navigate Roster Gaps During International Break

Major League Soccer clubs are working through the first international break since the 2026 World Cup with more than 100 players away on national team duty, competing in friendlies, Nations League matches and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Clubs Feeling The Impact LAFC is among the clubs most affected, missing several players for their match against FC Dallas. Head coach Marc Dos Santos said the team was leaning on summer signings including Armindo Sieb, Tyler Boyd and Tommy Mihalic to fill the gaps.

The Playoff Race Continues Despite the depleted rosters, the league's schedule has continued largely uninterrupted, with 15 matches played across the week as the race for the 2026 MLS Cup playoffs continues to tighten heading into the final stretch of the regular season.