Orlando City may be in the bottom half of MLS’ Eastern Conference. However, they could still have multiple players representing their countries at the World Cup. Marco Pašalić has already been selected by Croatia. Whilst Maxime Crépeau and Braian Ojeda are also expected to be heading to the tournament.
Orlando City could have a small but mighty World Cup contingent
For an MLS club, Orlando City could still be fairly well represented at the World Cup. Pašalić is already in Croatia’s roster. Crépeau has a chance at being Canada's number one goalkeeper. Braian Ojeda has been a regular for Paraguay recently.
Inter Miami could have around five players at the World Cup, with Lionel Messi being the most notable name. Atlanta United could supply Paraguay with Miguel Almirón and Matías Galarza. Whilst Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min is a star for South Korea.
Every Orlando City player expected at the 2026 World Cup
Country | Player | Description |
|---|---|---|
Canada | Maxime Crépeau | Crépeau is a very experienced goalkeeper for Canada with 30 caps. He missed the last World Cup with a broken fibula. The keeper is expected to be a part of Jesse Marsch’s roster, but Dayne St. Clair of Inter Miami may be the number one for Canada. |
Paraguay | Braian Ojeda | Ojeda has been a regular for Paraguay recently, playing in their last seven games. |
Every Orlando City player who is heading to the World Cup
Country | Player | Description |
|---|---|---|
Croatia | Marco Pašalić | Pašalić’s recent form for club and country has led to him being selected in Croatia’s roster. |
Which countries are most heavily represented?
Each player who is going or could be going to the World Cup from Orlando City would be representing a different country.
There will be no direct matchups between Orlando City players in the group stage. However, Crépeau’s Canada and Ojeda’s Paraguay could meet in the round of 32 or round of 16. Also, either side could then face Pašalić’s Croatia in the round of 16 or quarter-finals.
- Maxime Crépeau (Canada – Group B): Canada, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland.
- Braian Ojeda (Paraguay – Group D): USMNT, Australia, Turkey.
- Marco Pašalić (Croatia – Group L): England, Ghana, Panama.
The biggest star to watch at the World Cup
Crépeau is a big star for Canada and there will be pressure on his country to perform as they are co-hosting the World Cup along with the United States and Mexico. The keeper is a MLS star who has represented five different teams in the division.
He also won MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield with LAFC. However, his recent form for Orlando has not been great. He has conceded 38 goals in 14 MLS games without keeping a clean sheet. However, this is not just down to Crépeau as Orlando’s back line also needs to take responsibility for this.
Young players who could break out in 2026
Pašalić and Ojeda are both just 25, which is not that young for soccer players. However, both have the opportunity to put their names on the map by performing for their respective countries at the tournament.
Pašalić has scored two goals in 10 MLS games this season. One was in a defeat to Miami, whilst the other helped Orlando draw with the Columbus Crew. Ojeda is a defensive midfielder, but he still managed to set up an Orlando winner against Miami in MLS this campaign.
Players who may miss out on World Cup selection
David Brekalo would have had a chance of making Slovenia’s roster, but his country failed to qualify for the World Cup. Pašalić is fully fit now, but did suffer from a hamstring injury earlier on in the season. This may have an effect on whether he gets called up or not.
When the 2026 World Cup squads will be confirmed
Countries will have up to June 1 to confirm their rosters for the World Cup.
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