MLS needed just one week of group-stage play to break a league record. When Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Sebastian Berhalter scored the equalizer against Turkiye on June 25, he became the fifth MLS player to score at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most MLS goalscorers at a single World Cup in league history. For good measure, LAFC midfielder Stephen Eustaquio scored a historic game-winner against South Africa in the round of 32.

Some were predictable, while others came out of nowhere. Here are the six MLS standouts who etched their names into World Cup history, both individually and as a record-breaking group for MLS. 

FC Dallas and Croatia striker Petar Musa was on the verge of tears when he leveled the match against England at Dallas Stadium. A sweet volley from just outside the six-yard box was a finish MLS fans had no doubt he would convert.

After scoring 18 goals in 2025, Musa only re-entered the Croatia national team picture in November. His 12 goals in 13 games for a rejuvenated FC Dallas side in 2026 have cemented him as Croatia’s starting striker as the nation looks to replicate its deep World Cup runs of 2018 (final) and 2022 (semifinal).

Messi turned 39 years old the day after his brace in a 2-0 victory over Austria in the group stage. His five goals through two games (Algeria and Austria) lead the tournament, and this World Cup outpouring from Messi further strengthens the case for him as perhaps the most beloved superstar in sports.

Fans and pundits alike are shocked that he looks even more comfortable at the 2026 tournament than he did in 2022. The weight of expectation has lifted after hoisting the World Cup in Qatar, and the Argentine superstar, who lifted MLS Cup in December, has taken full advantage.

His five goals also extend his World Cup tally to 17 and counting, moving him past German striker Miroslav Klose. France forward Kylian Mbappé sits close behind on 14.

An unlikely entry on this list considering Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman has yet to score for his club through 51 matches, yet his header was pure as he opened the scoring against Egypt in the All Whites’ second group-stage match.

Surman is considered one of the best young defenders in MLS, winning the Timbers Supporters’ Player of the Year award in his first season with the club in 2025. Since graduating from prospect to starter, New Zealand head coach Darren Bazeley has entrusted Surman in nearly every match, often partnering him with MLS veteran and Minnesota United captain Michael Boxall.

Surman is out of contract with Portland following the 2026 season, though the club holds an option for 2027. Could his World Cup summer be the catalyst for a move to Europe this offseason or next?

On loan at Atlanta United from River Plate, Matías Galarza’s strike from outside the box in the 2nd minute against Turkey held up for the full match, securing a crucial three points for Paraguay and keeping their World Cup knockout hopes alive.

Paraguay were outshot 32-7, but Galarza’s 0.03 xG finish was all that mattered. Even more impressively, he didn’t play a single minute against the United States and was handed just his second international start of 2026 against Turkiye. Atlanta United hold a purchase option on the Paraguayan midfielder this summer from River Plate.

Berhalter had to overcome plenty to become a bona fide piece of the USMNT picture. Never capped under his father Gregg, Berhalter’s World Cup goal from outside the box and early assist against Turkiye saw him earn the highest match rating in his first start of the tournament.

In MLS, he has been the best value in the league for some time now, but his contract shouldn’t overshadow his rise: six goals and seven assists in just 14 games as a box-to-box midfielder with excellent passing range and relentless work rate. He’s deservedly an All-Star starter.

In a set-piece-obsessed world, Berhalter has the delivery to please both club and country. The eyes were already on him, could his breakout performance against Turkiye earn him even more minutes in the knockout stage?

Canada midfielder Stephen Eustáquio is technically an MLS player until June 30, when his loan from Porto comes to an end. The accomplished Canadian, who once represented Portugal at the youth level, scored arguably the biggest goal in Canadian soccer history to end South Africa’s World Cup journey and send the Canucks to the Round of 16.

A poor clearance from South Africa saw the ball fall invitingly to Eustáquio, who struck it from outside the box before SoFi Stadium erupted in celebration of the 1-0 stoppage-time victory.

While he only lasted 10 MLS matches with LAFC, Eustáquio said the loan accomplished everything he needed, giving him valuable playing time as he returned from injury and prepared for the World Cup.