MLS to host Arsenal in 2023 edition of All Star game
The 2023 MLS All Star game will see the best of Major League Soccer take on Premier League side Arsenal in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, July 19.
The two teams will also compete in the All-Star Skills Challenge prior to the match, a competition set to test players on specific abilities.
"Major League Soccer is pleased to welcome Arsenal FC as the opponent for the 2023 MLS All-Star Game and All-Star Skills Challenge. Arsenal FC is one of the most storied and popular clubs in the world and they are giving their fans a memorable season as they sit at the top of the Premier League table,” said MLS Deputy Commissioner and President, Gary Stevenson.
"Fans at Audi Field and watching on MLS Season Pass will be treated to back-to-back fun and thrilling nights featuring skill, style, and intense competition as top global stars meet in our nation’s capital. As our league, clubs, partners, and fans converge in D.C. for a week of events, a matchup between Arsenal and the best of MLS is the perfect way to celebrate the sport and culture of soccer in North America."
Arsenal is no stranger to the MLS All Star event, after participating in the 2016 edition in San Jose at PayPal Park. The English side triumphed 2-1 over the best of Major League Soccer, as a late goal by Chuba Akpom secured the victory.
The team returns seven years later with a new set of players, including US men’s national team figure Matt Turner, led by manager Mikel Arteta.
"It’s great that we’re playing against the MLS All-Stars in Washington D.C. in July," said Arteta.
"Our US tour last summer was very good preparation for the season, and we’re looking forward to once again visiting our amazing supporters in the US. The match against the MLS All-Stars will be a good test ahead of the 2023-24 season."
Following back-to-back MLS All-Star wins over the LIGA MX All-Star team in 2021 and 2022, the 2023 MLS All-Star Game will be the 17th time MLS welcomes an elite international club for the midsummer showcase.
The MLS All-Stars have previously faced clubs from the Premier League, as well as clubs from Italy’s Serie A, Germany's Bundesliga, Spain’s LaLiga, the Scottish Premiership, and Mexico's LIGA MX.