World Cup to MLS: 12 summer signings you need to know

By Ari Liljenwall

The MLS Secondary Transfer Window is over, and with it came 12 signings who competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.

From new Designated Players to familiar names, here’s the full rundown of players who recently helped their country compete on the sport’s grandest stage.

This follows an MLS-record 45 players competing at the 2026 World Cup while representing 22 clubs and 17 countries.

Elias Achouri – San Diego FC (Tunisia)

San Diego FC acquired Achouri from Danish Superliga powerhouse FC Copenhagen, completing the deal in late July.

The 27-year-old winger inked a Designated Player deal after playing all three of Tunisia’s Group Stage games at the 2026 World Cup.

Can he help San Diego build on their historic 2025 expansion campaign?

Júnior Alonso – Atlanta United (Paraguay)

Alonso joined Atlanta fresh off helping Paraguay reach the World Cup Round of 16, where the veteran defender was a regular starter.

Alonso arrived on a free transfer from Brazilian side Atlético Mineiro. He’s part of Atlanta’s revamped center-back group alongside fellow summer signing Paulo Díaz.

Cédric Bakambu – San Diego FC (DR Congo)

Bakambu joins San Diego after deputizing regularly in DR Congo’s attack, helping the Leopards reach the Round of 32 in their first World Cup since 1974. 

The veteran striker was a free agent after playing for LaLiga’s Real Betis. He brings a wealth of experience, tallying 191g/49a in nearly 500 appearances across stops in Spain, France, Turkey, Greece and more.

Casemiro – Inter Miami CF (Brazil)

One of the most decorated midfielders of his generation, Casemiro joined Inter Miami after playing in his third World Cup with Brazil.

He enjoyed a standout career in Europe, most notably with Real Madrid and Manchester United, and has won five UEFA Champions League titles.

Internationally, Casemiro has 10 goals in 91 caps with Brazil and won the 2019 Copa América.

Luc de Fougerolles – Real Salt Lake (Canada)

De Fougerolles joins Real Salt Lake on loan from Fulham after shining for Canada during their historic run to the World Cup Round of 16 as tournament co-hosts.

The 20-year-old center back is coming off a loan spell at Belgian side Dender, accumulating 30 appearances before returning to his parent club.

David Douděra – FC Cincinnati (Czechia)

Douděra joins FC Cincinnati after representing Czechia at the World Cup, including playing the full 90 minutes in their Group Stage finale against Mexico.

He arrives from Slavia Prague, where he won three titles and played in 153 matches. At Cincy, Douděra links up with compatriot Pavel Bucha.

Breel Embolo – Atlanta United (Switzerland)

Embolo joins Atlanta after helping Switzerland reach the World Cup quarterfinals, starting all six of his country’s matches while contributing 2g/2a. The tournament marked his third World Cup.

Acquired as a Designated Player from Ligue 1’s Stade Rennais, Embolo brings an extensive European résumé as Atlanta’s new star striker.

Lyle Foster – Houston Dynamo FC (South Africa)

Foster joins Houston after helping South Africa reach their first-ever World Cup knockout round.

The 26-year-old striker is on loan from Burnley and spent last year playing in the English Premier League.

Foster has tallied 30g/23a in 194 professional appearances since breaking through at South African Premiership giants Orlando Pirates.

Matías Galarza – Inter Miami CF (Paraguay)

Galarza joins Inter Miami after helping Paraguay reach the World Cup Round of 16. He scored a memorable early goal against Türkiye.

The midfielder is on loan from Argentine powerhouse River Plate and brings MLS experience after spending the first half of 2026 on loan with Atlanta.

Angus Gunn – San Jose Earthquakes (Scotland)

Gunn joined San Jose after serving as Scotland’s starting goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup, which marked the country’s first appearance since the 1998 tournament.

He was a free agent and most recently played for Nottingham Forest. There are some big shoes to fill, too, after Daniel was traded to FC Dallas.

Elias Saad – Nashville SC (Tunisia)

Saad represented Tunisia at the World Cup, starting two of three Group Stage matches to reach 17 international caps since his 2024 debut.

The winger is in Nashville on loan from German Bundesliga side FC Augsburg through the 2027 MLS Sprint Season.

Matt Turner – New England Revolution (USA)

Turner is fresh off his second consecutive World Cup with the USMNT, starting in Qatar 2022 before making one appearance at the 2026 tournament.

The Revs extended Turner’s loan from Olympique Lyon through the end of 2026, with an option to prolong it through 2027 and a subsequent purchase option.

The 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year no longer occupies a DP roster spot.