The 2026 Major League Soccer season restarts this week following a six-week interruption for the World Cup, with Orlando City securing the headline capture of Antoine Griezmann. The move comes as the Florida club attempt to climb from the lower reaches of the Eastern Conference.
Orlando confirmed the French attacker’s arrival ahead of Thursday’s fixtures, which fall between the tournament’s semi-finals and third-place match. The Lions ended the pre-break period in 12th position in the East, four points beneath the playoff line and carrying the division’s poorest goal difference at minus 21.
Orlando’s World Cup Contingent Returns
Despite their domestic struggles, Orlando were well-represented in the latter stages of the World Cup. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau featured for Canada in the knockout rounds, while midfielder Braian Ojeda helped Paraguay reach the last 16. Marco Pasalic also saw action for Croatia beyond the group phase.
The club will hope Griezmann’s pedigree complements these returning internationals as they chase a post-season berth. The gap to the playoff places remains bridgeable with more than half the regular season remaining, plus the Leagues Cup still to contest.
Stars Face Pressure After International Duty
Several high-profile MLS players return to club duty facing scrutiny. Son Heung-min has yet to find the net in 13 appearances for Los Angeles FC this term. The South Korea captain managed only one shot on target during his country’s group-stage exit, though he has contributed eight assists to keep LAFC near the Western Conference summit.
Elsewhere, FC Dallas striker Petar Musa returns after scoring against England for Croatia at the World Cup. The forward, who moved from Benfica in 2024, has netted 46 times in the league since his arrival. However, he managed only one start in Germany and was withdrawn at half-time in his second outing before missing the final group match entirely.
In midfield, Sebastian Berhalter’s status remains uncertain. The Vancouver Whitecaps anchor, who proved pivotal for the United States under Mauricio Pochettino in Qatar, sees his contract expire in December. His stock has risen considerably, potentially attracting interest from within MLS or abroad as the window approaches.
South Americans Carry Momentum
Paraguay’s upset victory over Germany in the last 32 offers encouragement for Atlanta United’s Miguel Almirón. The winger was sent off during the tournament but returned to start the famous win. He is one of four Paraguayans resuming MLS duties, alongside Ojeda, Matías Galarza of Atlanta and Vancouver’s Andrés Cubas.
With the schedule now congested by continental cup commitments, clubs must manage their international returnees carefully as the push for playoff positioning intensifies.