✍️ Baltej Bining

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken over North America, more specifically Canada. The games at Toronto and Vancouver have had amazing crowds so far, as well as some excellent football. MLS players are participating in this tournament, with some making a bigger impact than others. Among the three MLS clubs based in Canada, six players were called up: Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps each had three, while CF Montréal doesn't have a current player representing the club on the World stage.

Here's how they performed (by alphabetical order) and what's next for them!

Sebastian Berhalter

Starting strong with a man who arguably had the best performance out of the six, as the United States itself topped Group D after grabbing two wins and a loss.

The first game ended in a 4-1 win over Paraguay, with Sebastian Berhalter entering the game at the start of the second half in place of an injured Christian Pulisic. The Whitecaps midfielder had a relatively quiet performance, completing 20 passes and winning all three of his duels.

The second game ended in a 2-0 win over Australia, as Berhalter once again came off the bench for some gametime, replacing Ricardo Pepi with 16 minutes left to play. It was another quiet performance for the 25-year-old, as Berhalter almost conceded a penalty kick for a handball, but the referee waived it away.

The third game was the one in which Berhalter truly shone, as, despite a 3-2 loss to Türkiye, the midfielder was excellent, setting up Auston Trusty's opening goal three minutes in off a corner before scoring a rocket to tie the game up four minutes into the second half, as he also picked up a yellow card. Berhalter recorded the most touches in the game with 89, and he created the most chances with five, including two big chances.

What's next? The United States will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 on Canada Day in San Francisco, with kickoff set for 5:00 pm PT / 8:00 pm ET.

Andrés Cubas

La Máquina keeps producing consistent performances for his club and now nation, as Paraguay finished third in Group D and secured their spot in the knockouts via 

In the previously mentioned 4-1 loss for Paraguay against the United States, Andrés Cubas started the full 90 and had an alright performance, completing 25 passes and making eight defensive contributions, with five tackles and five fouls conceded, but he wasn't booked.

In their second match, Paraguay shocked the world, defeating group favourites Türkiye in a 1-0 result that eliminated the European nation. Cubas once again played the full 90 minutes, making 13 defensive contributions, which was largely due to a first-half stoppage-time red card issued to Atlanta United star Miguel Almirón, which forced Paraguay to sit even deeper than they usually do. Cubas also made seven clearances, six recoveries, three interceptions, and two tackles.

In their third match, a 0-0 draw with Australia has them ranked as one of the best third-place sides in the World Cup for now. It was another full game for Cubas, as the defensive midfielder created a chance and completed 36 passes. He made five recoveries, three tackles, four clearances, two interceptions, and eight defensive contributions.

What's next? Well, as it stands, Paraguay will face Germany on Monday at the Boston Stadium with the current results.

Rayan Elloumi

It's not all sunshine and rainbows for the Whitecaps call-ups, as Rayan Elloumi's Tunisia have crashed out of the tournament.

A 5-1 loss to Sweden, a 4-0 loss to Japan, and a 3-1 loss to the Netherlands confirmed a group-stage exit for the North African side, as this campaign can only be described as disastrous.

It was even worse for the Whitecaps striker, as the 18-year-old wasn't given a single minute of playing time, as he would've become the youngest player to ever play at a World Cup for Tunisia.

What's next? Rayan will return to Vancouver, where he will rejoin the team in training, as the Whitecaps will be in action soon on July 8, when they will face Cavalry FC in Swangard Stadium at 7:30 pm PT.

Derrick Etienne Jr.

The first Toronto FC player on the list, as Haïti have also seen their World Cup campaign cut short in the group stages.

In their first match, the CONCACAF nation narrowly fell to Scotland by a 1-0 scoreline. Etienne Jr. was an unused substitute.

Their second game was worse, as they fell to Brazil by three goals to nil. Etienne Jr. did make his World Cup debut, getting nine minutes after replacing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. The Toronto FC forward got eleven touches and even created a chance.

The final game was an entertaining one, but Haïti were on the wrong side of a 4-2 scoreline to Morocco, as Etienne Jr. was once again an unused substitute.

What's next? Etienne Jr. will return to Toronto, where they have also begun training, as they will face CF Montréal in the first Canadian Classique of 2026, played in Stade Saputo on Thursday, July 16, with a 7:30 pm ET kickoff time set.

Richie Laryea

A player who continues to be sensational on the national team level, as Canada finished second in Group B to earn a historic knockout stage qualification.

In Canada's 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Richie Laryea played the full 90 at left-back and didn't look out of place, nearly scoring before an insane goal-line clearance from Sead Kolašinac prevented that. Laryea won all eight of his ground duels and made five tackles along with four defensive recoveries.

In Canada's 6-0 win over Qatar, Laryea went the distance again and produced another good performance at left-back. In the attack, he created three chances, including a big chance. In the defence, it wasn't a busy day, but Laryea still made seven defensive recoveries, as he won all three of his duels and was fouled three times.

In Canada's 2-1 loss to Switzerland, Laryea didn't have his best performance and was replaced in the 81st minute by Jacob Shaffelburg.

What's next? Canada will face South Africa on Sunday in Inglewood at 12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET, as Richie Laryea is projected to start at left-back again, with the status of Alphonso Davies still unsure.

Jonathan Osorio

The final player on the list and it's another Canadian.

Jonathan Osorio has only played one minute the entire tournament, as he replaced Stephen Eustáquio in stoppage time against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

While some have had disappointing tournaments already come to an end, most will be continuing their tournament in the Round of 32, as let's see which players go the furthest.