90min

How many MLS players are left at the World Cup?

By Chris Smith

Thiago Almada has reached the semi-finals with Argentina.
Thiago Almada has reached the semi-finals with Argentina. / Alex Livesey - Danehouse/GettyImages
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37 players from Major League Soccer entered the World Cup in November but, now, only one remains.

At the start of the tournament, 12 different nations had at least one MLS player on their roster, with the United States and Canada, naturally, featuring the majority.

However, LAFC forward Gareth Bale went to Qatar as Wales' talisman, while the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Karol Swiderski, and Hector Herrera all represented their respective nations.

Every MLS player at the 2022 World Cup

Argentina

  • Thiago Almada (Atlanta United)

Australia

  • Milos Degenek (Columbus Crew)

Canada

  • Lucas Cavallini (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
  • Alistair Johnston (CF Montreal)
  • Mark-Anthony Kaye (Toronto FC)
  • Ismael Kone (CF Montreal)
  • Richie Laryea (Toronto FC)
  • Kamal Miller (CF Montreal)
  • Jonathan Osorio (Toronto FC)
  • James Pantemis (CF Montreal)
  • Samuel Piette (CF Montreal)
  • Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC)
  • Joel Waterman (CF Montreal)

Cameroon

  • Olivier Mbaizo (Philadelphia Union)
  • Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders)

Costa Rica

  • Daniel Chacon (Colorado Rapids 2)
  • Ronald Matarrita (FC Cincinnati)
  • Bryan Oviedo (Real Salt Lake)

Ecuador

  • Xavier Arreaga (Seattle Sounders FC)
  • Jose Cifuentes (LAFC)
  • Sebastian Mendez (LAFC)
  • Diego Palacios (LAFC)

Mexico

  • Hector Herrera (Houston Dynamo FC)

Poland

  • Karol Swiderski (Charlotte FC)

Switzerland

  • Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire FC)

Uruguay

  • Martin Caceres (LA Galaxy)
  • Facundo Torres (Orlando City SC)

USA

  • Kellyn Acosta (LAFC)
  • Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas)
  • Sean Johnson (New York City FC)
  • Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls)
  • Shaq Moore (Nashville SC)
  • Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC)
  • Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC)
  • DeAndre Yedlin (Inter Miami CF)
  • Walker Zimmerman (Nashville SC)

Wales

  • Gareth Bale (LAFC)

Of those 37 players, only Thiago Almada remains.

The Atlanta United playmaker is part of the Argentina side that has gone all the way to the semi-finals, where they'll face 2018 runners-up Croatia in a bid to make their second final in three editions.

Almada, has only played a minimal role in La Albiceleste's campaign, but he did make quite the impression from the bench against Poland during the group stage.

Despite only coming on in the 84th minute with Argentina already 2-0 up, Almada saw 15 touches of the ball, completing all 13 of his passes while creating one big chance. The 20-year-old also made history by becoming the first active MLS player to represent Argentina at the World Cup.

Even if he doesn't see another minute on the field, Almada's inclusion on the roster and being able to make an appearance is sure to add to his growing reputation.

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