MLS All-Star 2026: Son Heung-min and Thomas Muller steal the show ahead of the Liga MX clash

Every MLS All-Star Game is a unique experience. This one comes just days after the end of the World Cup and the resumption of the league, making it more chaotic than usual. And yet, it retains all the hallmarks of the event: the questions about its relevance, the logistical details, and, above all, the lighthearted moments of a practice session that feels more like a social gathering among the football stars.

Son Heung-min: the one who raises the vibes

At the start of the first practice, Son realized someone had to break the ice. There was the typical All-Star awkwardness with unfamiliar faces. So the Korean looked around and shouted, feigning frustration, "This is crazy! "

"It was somewhat necessary," he admitted. "I just wanted to lighten the mood with a few jokes. There were no nerves, but I think everyone needed time to get to know each other a little. I think some of them needed to take the plunge."

Thomas Muller: the king of humor

The other veteran who joined in was Muller, who's having the time of his life. While one player was talking to the press, the German slipped in behind him and started joking around on the back of the set. He was cracking jokes with any teammate willing to have a laugh. And with the journalists too.

“Why are you laughing?” he said with a smile. “We have training today. We’re fighting for our spots, so I think it’s serious.” He added, “Yesterday we had a walkthrough at the baseball stadium. First time in my life in a baseball stadium. It was a great experience. I think the Skills Challenge can be fun tonight.”

From rivals to teammates in 48 hours

Son and Müller have faced each other countless times. Tim Ream and Ashley Westwood know the Korean well from their Premier League clashes. But this weekend, everything is turned upside down.

“Thomas, for example, his career has been incredible,” Son said. “I think everyone dreams of playing with him. Me too. When I’m with Thomas, I feel like a kid. Playing with him will be a dream. This only happens once, so I have to enjoy it.”

Last weekend, the Columbus Crew beat FC Cincinnati 2-1 in a match marred by a scuffle in the tunnel at the end. Days later, Crew players Steven Moreira and Max Arfsten are teammates with Cincinnati star Evander.

“A few days ago we played against Cincinnati and Evander,” Moreira said. “Now we’re together, celebrating. Something happened during the game that wasn’t good, but I love him. We know each other. It’s nice to see everyone here; sometimes you’re angry or fighting, but here we just enjoy the moment.”

Tim Ream: The Unwitting Ambassador

Ream joked with his wife that this week has been more hectic than the World Cup. As the most recognizable face of host Charlotte, he's the unofficial ambassador for the game. His first All-Star appearance was in 2011, when he shared a locker room with Beckham and Thierry Henry.

"I'd seen those guys from that first team grow up and then I played with them," he says. "Now to be here with Sonny, Thomas, and Westy... we were joking on the bus that we're the oldest. It's special to share this with them and with people you've been playing against for years."

Golf talk: Muller's other language

There's no shortage of golf fans on the MLS All-Star roster, and that love has given Westwood plenty to talk about with Muller. They discussed the Bermuda grass, which is different in Charlotte. Who would win a hypothetical round between the two?

"It would be a good match," laughed the Charlotte midfielder. "I think their handicap is four, so it should be close."

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