The 2023 MLS season opens with stories and numbers that will shape the early weeks of competition across the United States and Canada. The league launches with momentum and energy, and a clear sense that each match can tilt the standings and steer the season toward defining moments on the field.
The kickoff extends from coast to coast, starting February 25 in twenty states across the United States and reaching into three Canadian provinces. A standout feature for 2023 is the arrival of St. Louis City SC as an expansion club, injecting fresh pressure and a new roster into a league already buzzing with talent. This expansion marks another milestone in MLS history as new cities join the quest for greatness, setting up fresh rivalries and collector-worthy moments for fans across North America.
As the calendar turns, the league showcases familiar faces alongside compelling comeback arcs. Javier Hernández, Josef Martínez, Carlos Vela, and Alan Pulido are among the names that captivate attention, each returning from injuries and setbacks. Their presence uplifts their teams and raises the level of play across conferences as players reclaim peak form and strive to compete at the top tier. At the same time, a wave of internationally recognized stars joins MLS, drawn by the league’s growth trajectory and the chase for the MLS Cup, a prize teams like LAFC aim to defend or claim anew.
For Mexican football players, the season carries special significance. Whether born in Mexico or holding dual citizenship, they are under the watchful eye of coaches evaluating options for future national team campaigns. The strategic objective remains clear: secure a role on the squad for major tournaments, including the ambitious road toward the World Cup cycle that stretches toward 2026 and beyond. Coaching staffs look to identify players who can contribute at the highest levels, both within MLS and on the world stage.
With these dynamics in play, GOAL highlights the footballers to track throughout the 2023 season, offering a curated view of players expected to influence results, style, and drama on the field. The league continues to broaden its reach, delivering high-quality soccer to a broad audience and shaping new chapters in North American football culture.
JAVIER HERNANDEZ (LA GALAXY)
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CARLOS VELA (LAFC)
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ALAN PULIDO (SPORTING KANSAS CITY)
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HECTOR HERRERA (HOUSTON DYNAMO)
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JOSEF MARTINEZ (INTER MIAMI)
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RODOLFO PINARRO (INSIDE MIAMI)
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XHERDAN SHAQIRI (CHICAGO FIRE)
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