COLUMBUS — Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that Columbus Crew midfielder Max Arfsten and defender Steven Moreira have been named to the 2026 MLS All-Star roster.

This marks the second career All-Star selection for both players, with Arfsten earning the honor for the second consecutive season. The dynamic duo was hand-selected by Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith, who is coaching the All-Star squad.

Arfsten has put together a spectacular campaign, starting all 15 MLS matches for the Black & Gold while logging five goals and four assists. The 25-year-old playmaker has been highly consistent, generating at least one goal contribution in eight of his past 12 appearances. Meanwhile, Moreira—a former MLS Defender of the Year—has anchored the backline with 13 starts and two assists.

Both players recently returned to Ohio after representing their respective countries on the world stage. Arfsten made his official U.S. Men's National Team debut during the second half of the USMNT's Round of 16 match against Belgium. Simultaneously, Moreira helped guide Cape Verde through a historic, tournament-frenzied debut. He appeared in all four games, with 3 starts during the Cape Verde’s Cinderella run to the knockout rounds, registering 301 total minutes.

The 2026 MLS All-Star Game will take place on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The midsummer showcase will pit the MLS All-Stars against the premier talent of Mexico's Liga MX.