World Cup Winners Bring Championship Glory to MLS

Major League Soccer just became home to five active World Cup champions, with French superstar Antoine Griezmann set to join Orlando City in July 2026.

The 2018 World Cup winner follows an impressive roster of champions who've chosen MLS. Griezmann scored in France's 4-2 victory over Croatia in the 2018 final, the same match where his future MLS colleague Hugo Lloris captained Les Bleus to glory.

Lloris now guards the net for LAFC, where he's recorded 38 clean sheets in 99 appearances since 2024. The most capped French player in history has captained the Black & Gold since mid-2025, bringing World Cup winning mentality to Los Angeles.

Germany's Thomas Müller joined Vancouver Whitecaps in 2025 after a legendary career with Bayern Munich. The 2014 World Cup winner made an immediate splash with 9 goals and 4 assists in just 13 matches, helping Vancouver reach their first MLS Cup final.

Then there's Lionel Messi, who needs no introduction. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and has transformed Inter Miami into champions, leading them to the 2025 MLS Cup.

His Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul joined Miami from Atlético Madrid and scored the game-winning goal in that championship victory over Vancouver. The tireless midfielder recorded 2 goals and 7 assists during his first MLS season.

The Ripple Effect

These championship signings represent more than star power. Young MLS players now train alongside the sport's elite, learning from athletes who've performed under the world's biggest pressure.

The league's growth shows in the names willing to compete here. Griezmann scored 298 goals across 792 appearances in Spain's top leagues, yet chose MLS for his next chapter while still at the top of his game.

Fans across North America can now watch World Cup champions play in person every week. Kids wearing jerseys in youth leagues can see their heroes at local stadiums, not just on screens from thousands of miles away.

MLS has evolved from importing aging legends to attracting players still performing at elite levels, and the World Cup pedigree on display proves it.