Before they turn pro, they're making their names here.
MLS Next is the proving ground for the next generation of American professional soccer players. These are the names climbing the rankings, drawing college offers, and catching the attention of first-team scouts. If you want to know who is coming next, this is where to look.
Taha Habroune, Columbus Crew Academy, Born 2006
Habroune is widely regarded as one of the top breakout candidates for 2026, and that opinion is far from a lone view. A creative central midfielder with exceptional technical quality, he is considered the highest-ceiling prospect in the Columbus pipeline and one of the most talked-about players in the entire MLS Next system heading into this season.
Rayan Elloumi, Vancouver Whitecaps, Born 2007
The Elloumi story moved fast. At the start of 2025 he was on the radar of college programs. By the end of the year he had scored 11 goals in MLS Next Pro, earned a call-up to the first-team Whitecaps squad, and scored twice in seven appearances. At 18 he has already made the jump to professional soccer, which puts him well ahead of the development curve.
Brooklyn Raines, New England Revolution, Born 2005
After logging nearly 1,700 league minutes with Houston, Raines joins New England where he is expected to take on a major midfield role under coach Mitrovic, a coach under whom he has previously performed well. Physical, tactically mature, and one of the most complete defensive midfielders in his age group in the country.
Mykhi Joyner, St. Louis City, Born 2006
A dynamic winger with the pace to make defenders look slow. Joyner may not yet be fully ready for a major first-team role, but St. Louis' thin winger depth could accelerate his minutes significantly in 2026. Scouts consistently flag him as one of the most exciting attacking prospects in the central U.S. pipeline and his progress this season will be closely watched.
Nicholas Simmonds, FC Dallas, Born 2006
The only 2026 SuperDraft player to make the Top 50 MLS prospects list, Simmonds' college production and overall profile suggest he could transition quickly into a professional impact role. A natural finisher with sharp instincts in and around the box, he is a player worth knowing about now before everyone else catches on.
Cole Campbell, Borussia Dortmund / Hoffenheim loan, Born 2006
One of the more interesting American youth stories playing out in Europe right now. The 20-year-old forward is currently on loan at Hoffenheim from Borussia Dortmund, having made appearances for both clubs this season. The fact that Dortmund own his contract and are developing him carefully says everything about how highly rated he is.
