Jackson Ragen has been named to the 2026 MLS All-Star Team, one of 16 players picked as a “coach’s selection” by Charlotte FC’s Dean Smith to join 11 fan-voted All-Stars and two commissioner’s picks. It’s the first All-Star Game selection for Ragen, and just another indication that he has firmly established himself as one of the top centerbacks in MLS.
The MLS All-Stars will face a team of All-Stars from Liga MX on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.
This year, the Seattle native has once again provided most of his value in possession, where he ranks as one of the highest-touch centerbacks in MLS while also helping lead the Sounders to one of the top defensive records in MLS.
Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas, meanwhile, is probably among the more notable snubs. Thomas is tied for the second fewest goals allowed (11), has the highest save percentage (78.8), has registered the fourth most shutouts (5), is credited for the most goals prevented per 90 (.5) and has the best goals-prevented rate (1.6) in all of MLS.
Instead, Smith selected Matt Freese and Maxime Crepeau, presumably because they were both World Cup starters. By a host of metrics, though, Freese and Crepeau are no better than middling goalkeepers in 2026 MLS play.
2026 MLS ALL-STAR ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS (3): Maxime Crépeau (Orlando City SC; Coach’s Selection), Matt Freese (New York City FC; Coach’s Selection), Brian Schwake (Nashville SC; Voted In)
DEFENDERS (10): Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew; Coach’s Selection), Lucas Herrington (Colorado Rapids; Coach’s Selection), Richie Laryea (Toronto FC; Commissioner’s Pick), Anthony Markanich (Minnesota United FC; Voted In), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC; Voted In), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew; Coach’s Selection), Daniel Munie (San Jose Earthquakes; Coach’s Selection), Andy Najar (Nashville SC; Voted In), Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC; Coach’s Selection), Tim Ream (Charlotte FC; Voted In)
MIDFIELDERS (9): Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Voted In), Pep Biel (Charlotte FC; Coach’s Selection), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami CF; Coach’s Selection), Evander (FC Cincinnati; Coach’s Selection), Carles Gil (New England Revolution; Coach’s Selection), Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake; Voted In), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC; Voted In), Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps FC; Coach’s Selection), Ashley Westwood (Charlotte FC; Coach’s Selection)
FORWARDS (7): Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire FC; Voted In), Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC; Coach’s Selection), Julian Hall (Red Bull New York; Commissioner’s Pick), Son Heung-Min (LAFC; Voted In), Leo Messi (Inter Miami CF; Voted In), Petar Musa (FC Dallas; Coach’s Selection), Sam Surridge (Nashville SC; Coach’s Selection)
