The Major League Soccer is preparing for one of the key events in the construction of its rosters for next season. The 2026 MLS SuperDraft will take place on Thursday, December 18, a key opportunity for franchises to bolster their teams with young talent from college soccer and affiliated academies.
When and what time is the 2026 MLS SuperDraft?
The 2026 MLS SuperDraft will take place on Thursday, December 18, with a start time of 2:00 p.m. ET. The event will be held entirely in a centralized format, with clubs making their official selections over the course of three rounds.
Where and how to watch the 2026 MLS SuperDraft in the United States
MLS usually broadcasts the SuperDraft through its official platforms, including MLSsoccer.com, the MLS App and its associated digital channels. In addition, some sports signals and streaming services linked to the league such as Apple TV offer live coverage, with expert analysis and pick-by-pick tracking. It is recommended to keep an eye on the official MLS channels to confirm the final broadcast.
Draft order: DC United picks first
The 2026 MLS SuperDraft order is already set and DC United will be the team with the first overall pick, a key advantage for the club’s immediate future. Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, meanwhile, will close out the first round with the 30th overall pick.Round 1 (picks 1-30 in order)
- D.C. United
- Atlanta United
- CF Montreal
- Sporting Kansas City
- Orlando City SC
- Colorado Rapids (loan)
- St. Louis City SC
- New England Revolution
- Orlando City (vs HOU)
- Colorado Rapids
- San Jose Earthquakes
- New York Red Bulls
- Real Salt Lake
- Orlando City
- Portland Timbers
- FC Dallas
- Austin FC
- Chicago Fire FC
- Colorado Rapids
- Orlando City (from NSH)
- Seattle Sounders FC
- Charlotte FC
- Minnesota United FC
- LAFC
- Real Salt Lake (from CIN)
- Colorado Rapids (loan)
- New York City FC
- San Diego FC
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- Inter Miami CF
Rounds 2 and 3, which complete the 90 total selections, will keep D.C. United opening each instance, while Inter Miami will reappear with strategic selections, the result of previous trades.
Top prospects to watch in the 2026 SuperDraft
The 2026 SuperDraft will feature several outstanding collegiate soccer talents, especially center backs, mixed midfielders and speedy wingers, profiles that are increasingly sought after by MLS clubs. Players selected in the first round often have an immediate impact on rotations and, in some cases, become starters during their rookie season.
With everything in place, the 2026 MLS SuperDraft promises to be a key day for the future of the league, where every decision can set the sporting course of the franchises in the coming years.
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