MLS Unveils 2026 22 Under 22 Rankings

NEW YORK (Tuesday, October 20, 2026) – Major League Soccer today unveiled the full 2026 22 Under 22 class highlighting the best young domestic and international players across the league. Players were voted on by an expert panel of MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, MLS on Apple TV talent, and select media. Topping the 2026 list is Philadelphia Union and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Cavan Sullivan, who, at 17 years and 22 days old, becomes the youngest player ever to earn the No. 1 ranking, surpassing Alphonso Davies’ previous record of 17 years and 355 days (2018). Sullivan also becomes the second Philadelphia Union player to earn the top spot, joining Brenden Aaronson, who led the rankings in 2020.

The 2026 22 Under 22 class highlights the next generation of MLS talent, with 16 clubs represented and an average player age of approximately 20 years old. The Philadelphia Union and Red Bull New York lead all clubs with three selections each, followed by Nashville SC and the New England Revolution with two selections apiece.

The class underscores the continued impact of MLS player development pathways, with 17 players having competed in MLS NEXT, 16 in MLS NEXT Pro and 15 signing Homegrown contracts.

The group also boasts significant international experience, with 12 players earning senior national team call-ups for a combined 39 international appearances. Cavan Sullivan, Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti, Justin Ellis, Peyton Miller, Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield all debuted for the United States during the latest international window, while South African defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi leads the class with 15 senior caps, including four appearances at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Manu Duah, Ronald Donkor, and Bruno Caicedo have also earned senior national team call-ups for Ghana and Ecuador, respectively.

To be eligible for voting, players had to remain 21 or younger before Decision Day on November 7, 2026 and therefore must have been born after November 8, 2004. The all-time 22 Under 22 winners are below. Note: Prior to 2018, the list was known as the 24 Under 24.