The 2025–26 MLS NEXT season marks more than just another chapter in youth soccer — it signals the dawn of MLS next 2, a new era in the league's evolution. As the development landscape expands, MLS NEXT is doubling down on its mission to elevate the youth game across the country by introducing fresh structure, deeper access, and broader representation. This season welcomes over 220 clubs and 1,200 teams, including a wave of new additions brought in not just for their on-field success but for their commitment to player development, community impact, and diversity. At the same time, MLS NEXT 2 empowers clubs and players in more remote or underserved regions to participate in the pipeline — without losing high school eligibility. This isn't just an expansion; it's a transformation of how American youth soccer is structured, coached, and scouted. With innovation labs, storytelling partnerships, and a record number of scouts and colleges watching, the new season is set to showcase the next wave of homegrown stars like never before. The future of soccer in North America isn’t just coming — it’s arriving this fall.

Earlier this season San Diego FC cemented themselves n the development of youth footballers in the United States when they signed two 2006 born wing backs for MLS rivals San Jose and LAFC. Oscar Verhoeven and Luca Bombino have both blossomed into two of the best young players in the entire league. Verhoeven and Bombino have been the first choice outside backs for the club. San Diego FC pushed this agenda even further just a few months later; signing yet another 2006 born fullback in Aiden Harangi on loan from Eintracht Frankfurt. Harangi recently joined the side, and has showed positive signs since the transfer including an assist in Leagues Cup. San Diego also added two more USYNT U20 internationals this transfer window in David Vazquez and Barcelona starlet Pedro Soma. Some and Vazquez are getting up to speed of the MLS game, and will both be important players come playoff time in MLS. This brings San Diego FC’s total to six players (including second choice keeper Durran Ferre) who could realistically make the U20 World Cup roster in a few months time. This unprecedented number of guys who could all make the team, and this would leave San Diego FC’s squad hurting greatly as the World Cup is during the MLS playoffs. Nonetheless, the club has also announced their first ever academy squad. Mainly comprised of 2012-2014 players, the team features many Mexican-Americans because San Diego FC are able to recruit below the border. This squad will begin at the U13/14 age group next season. This will mark the first Right 2 Dream academy in the United States as well, and Right 2 Dream have already greatly succeeded in developing top talent in various Countries in Africa. Most notable, Tottenham Hotspur winger Mohammed Kudus came through the Right 2 Dream Academy.

Let’s take a look at how some of the top USYNT talent is hashing up just months away from the tournament. Cavan Sullivan is coming off the back of his two week training stint at Manchester City. He has reportedly looked excellent in Philadelphia Union training, so he could see his first team minutes increase as we get closer and closer to the tournament. Julian Hall is playing more for the first team than ever. He has started the majority of New York Red Bulls games recently, and is one the up and up at Red Bull. Mathis Albert has just begun a brand new season at Borussia Dortmund. Albert has already begun racking up goal contributions with a goal and assist performance in the first match of the season. Chase Adams is becoming a more and more important player for Columbus Crew II. There are valid arguments that he is the best of the entire bunch, and he should definitely see first team action next season. Finally, while it is an outside shot he makes the squad, Tyson Espy has just made the move from LAFC to Orange County SC. The MLS Next All Star will be suiting up in the USL for the foreseeable feature.