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New York City FC Goalkeeper Matt Freese Named to the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge

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Major League Soccer today announced the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T roster, bringing together the league’s brightest stars for an electrifying display of precision, power, and creativity.

The MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T roster includes top players from 10 different teams across the league who were selected for their skill in shooting, passing, and goalkeeping and includes New York City FC's very own Matt Freese. Joining the MLS participants are two MLS NEXT Pro goalkeepers. The full roster can be viewed here.

Set for 7:30 pm ET on July 28, 2026, at Truist Field in Charlotte, North Carolina, and broadcast live on Apple TV, the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T will once again feature a dynamic lineup of competitions designed to test players across multiple facets of the game.

A WHOLE NEW WAY TO COMPETE
New this year; each of the challenges will crown its own champion, marking a shift from the traditional MLS versus opponent format used in previous years. In addition to standout players from MLS and LIGA MX, the competition will also feature participation from MLS NEXT Pro and special guests, bringing even more talent and personalities to the event. While the format evolves, the event will still deliver a team rivalry moment, as MLS and LIGA MX face off in a high-energy relay to close out the night.

The 2026 edition includes the following:

  • All-Star Shooting Challenge – Presented by AT&T 
    Players will kick off the night by aiming at multiple targets, competing to rack up as many points as possible within 60 seconds. The highest score takes the win. 
  • All-Star Passing Challenge – Presented by Dawn 
    In this head-to-head challenge, targets are positioned across the pitch. Players must demonstrate elite distribution and pinpoint accuracy. The fastest time determines the winner. 
  • All-Star Goalie Wars – Presented by Old Spice 
    A high-intensity battle between goalkeepers, who will kick, drop-kick, and throw to score on their opponent while defending their own goal 
  • All-Star Crossbar Challenge – Presented by Gillette 
    A fan-favorite returns with a new twist as players compete head-to-head, attempting to strike the crossbar from the top of the 18-yard box, testing technique, speed, and touch. 
  • MLS vs. Liga MX Relay Challenge – Presented by AT&T 
    New this year; the competition culminates in a thrilling team relay, blending elements from each challenge as MLS and LIGA MX stars go head-to-head in a timed format to determine ultimate bragging rights.

Tickets for the 2026 MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T are on sale and are available for purchase here

The MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime and MLS All-Star Skills Challenge presented by AT&T will be available to watch in more than 100 countries and regions in English, Spanish, and French on Apple TV and the Apple TV app. Fans can subscribe to Apple TV on Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, game consoles, and the web at tv.apple.com.