12 transfers of World Cup players to MLS
The MLS Secondary Transfer Window has ended, with twelve new signings active at the 2026 World Cup. Here is an overview of the players.

12 transfers of World Cup players to the MLS
According to News.
Background
Elias Achouri, a 27-year-old winger, has joined MLS side San Diego FC after his time with FC Copenhagen. He played all three group games for Tunisia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, demonstrating his abilities on the international stage. His move to MLS could herald a new era for his career, especially given the challenges ahead in the league.
Why this is important
San Diego FC's signing of Elias Achouri is a significant step for the MLS club as it looks for further success following a historic expansion in 2025. Achouri, who played for Tunisia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, brings international experience and talent to the MLS, which could increase the team's competitiveness. His role as a Designated Player could also increase MLS's appeal to talented players from abroad.
Key findings
- 12 transfers of World Cup players to the MLS.
- The MLS Secondary Transfer Window has ended, with twelve new signings active at the 2026 World Cup.
- World Cup to MLS: 12 summer signings you need to know - Yahoo Sports.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) transfer period has come to an end. With her, twelve players came to MLS clubs who were playing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From new Designated Players to household names, here's a look at the players who have recently helped represent their countries at the highest level of sport. These signings follow a record-breaking 45 players representing 22 clubs from 17 countries during the 2026 World Cup. **Elias Achouri — San Diego FC (Tunisia)** San Diego FC signed Achouri from Danish club FC Copenhagen. The 27-year-old winger signed a Designated Player contract after playing in all three of Tunisia's group games at the 2026 World Cup. **Júnior Alonso — Atlanta United (Paraguay)** Alonso joined Atlanta United after helping Paraguay reach the round of 16 of the World Cup. The experienced defender was a regular player in the World Cup. He came to Atlanta on a free transfer from Atlético Mineiro of Brazil. **Cédric Bakambu — San Diego FC (DR Congo)** Bakambu came to San Diego after playing for DR Congo in the preliminary round of the 2026 World Cup. The Leopards reached the knockout stages for the first time since 1974. The experienced striker was previously without a club and most recently played for Real Betis in Spain. He brings a lot of experience with him, having totaled 191 goals and 49 assists in almost 500 games. **Casemiro — Inter Miami (Brazil)** Casemiro is one of the most
most decorated midfielder of his generation. He moved to Inter Miami after participating in his third World Cup. He had an outstanding career in Europe, most notably with Real Madrid and Manchester United, winning a total of five UEFA Champions League titles. **Luc de Fougerolles — Real Salt Lake (Canada)** De Fougerolles joined Real Salt Lake from Fulham on loan. He played for Canada in the World Cup and helped his team reach the round of 16. The 20-year-old central defender previously played on loan for Belgian club Dender, where he played 30 games. **David Douděra — FC Cincinnati (Czech Republic)** Douděra joined FC Cincinnati after playing for the Czech Republic in the 2026 World Cup, including the final group game against Mexico. He comes from Slavia Prague, where he won three championships and played 153 games. **Breel Embolo — Atlanta United (Switzerland)** Embolo moved to Atlanta United after reaching the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup with Switzerland. He played in all six of Switzerland's games and scored four goals. The move to Atlanta United came as a designated player signing from Stade Rennais in France. **Lyle Foster — Houston Dynamo FC (South Africa)** Foster joined Houston Dynamo after helping South Africa reach the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup. The 26-year-old striker is in England on loan from Burnley
nd moved to Houston. **Matías Galarza — Inter Miami (Paraguay)** Galarza moved to Inter Miami after helping Paraguay reach the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. He scored a goal in the preliminary round against Turkey. Galarza has moved to Inter Miami on loan from River Plate in Argentina. **Angus Gunn - San Jose Earthquakes (Scotland)** Gunn joined San Jose Earthquakes after representing the Scottish national team as a goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup. It was Gunn's first World Cup as he had not previously been called up for the national team. The 28-year-old goalkeeper was recently without a club and previously played for Nottingham Forest. **Elias Saad — Nashville SC (Tunisia)** Saad moved to Nashville SC and played for Tunisia in the 2026 World Cup. He was used in two of the three group games. The winger moved to Nashville on loan from FC Augsburg in Germany. **Matt Turner — New England Revolution (USA)** Turner has returned to New England Revolution after his second World Cup with the US national team. He played at the 2026 World Cup and also played in Qatar in 2022. Turner's goalkeeper contract with Olympique Lyon has been extended until the end of 2026, with the option to sign the player for another year.
What happens next
After joining San Diego FC, Elias Achouri is expected to play a key role in the team's attack. The fans are excited t be how he performs in MLS and whether he can help realize the club's ambitions next season. In addition, his success in the MLS could also have an impact on his career and the perception of players from Tunisia in the league.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Elias Achouri?
Elias Achouri is a 27-year-old winger who was signed by San Diego FC and previously played for Danish club FC Copenhagen.
Which players signed for MLS clubs during the 2026 World Cup?
Twelve players who played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have moved to MLS clubs, including Elias Achouri, Júnior Alonso and Cédric Bakambu.
Which team signed Júnior Alonso?
Júnior Alonso was signed by Atlanta United after helping Paraguay reach the round of 16 of the World Cup.
What is a Designated Player in the MLS?
A Designated Player is a player whose salary is not fully counted toward an MLS team's salary budget, allowing teams to sign talented players.
How many players appeared for MLS clubs during the 2026 World Cup?
During the 2026 World Cup, 45 players represented 22 clubs from 17 countries.
Related articles
Häufig gestellte Fragen
- Who is Elias Achouri?
- Elias Achouri is a 27-year-old winger who was signed by San Diego FC and previously played for Danish club FC Copenhagen.
- Which players signed for MLS clubs during the 2026 World Cup?
- Twelve players who played at the 2026 FIFA World Cup have moved to MLS clubs, including Elias Achouri, Júnior Alonso and Cédric Bakambu.
- Which team signed Júnior Alonso?
- Júnior Alonso was signed by Atlanta United after helping Paraguay reach the round of 16 of the World Cup.
- What is a Designated Player in MLS?
- A Designated Player is a player whose salary is not fully counted toward an MLS team's salary budget, allowing teams to sign talented players.
- How many players appeared for MLS clubs during the 2026 World Cup?
- During the 2026 World Cup, 45 players represented 22 clubs from 17 countries.
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