Major League Soccer
·10 June 2026
By Cal Meachem
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off.
The opening fixture of the world’s premier football event takes place in Mexico City on Thursday, where co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa (3 pm ET | FOX, Telemundo, Peacock).
This marks Mexico’s first time hosting the World Cup since 1986. The squad includes two players who honed their skills in Major League Soccer: Brian Gutiérrez, a product of the Chicago Fire FC academy, and Obed Vargas, who made his name with Seattle Sounders FC.
The MLS presence doesn’t stop there — South Africa also field two central defenders with MLS backgrounds: Philadelphia Union’s Mbekezeki Mbokazi and Chicago Fire FC’s Olwethu Makhanya.
Interestingly, this encounter revisits a familiar storyline. The two nations previously met in the 2010 World Cup opener, hosted by South Africa, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Both sides now aim to begin their 2026 campaign with three points on the board.
Brian Gutiérrez
Current club: Chivas de Guadalajara (LIGA MX)
Former MLS club: Chicago Fire FC (2020-25)
A homegrown talent from Chicago and former United States youth international, Gutiérrez was also eligible to represent Mexico and completed a one-time nationality switch early in 2026.
During his tenure with Chicago Fire FC, Gutiérrez registered 21 goals and 25 assists across 164 appearances, playing a pivotal role in returning the club to the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017. His impressive performances paved the way for a transfer to LIGA MX giants Chivas de Guadalajara.
On the international front, the 22-year-old midfielder has quickly become a regular for El Tri since opting to represent Mexico. He has featured in all but one of their matches in 2026, contributing two goals and one assist.
Obed Vargas
Current club: Atlético Madrid (LaLiga)
Former MLS club: Seattle Sounders FC (2021-25)
Born in Alaska, Vargas entered Seattle Sounders FC’s academy at the age of 14 and made his senior MLS debut just a year later, at 15. After signing a homegrown contract, he quickly became an integral part of the squad, helping the Sounders capture the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup – the only modern-era MLS club to achieve that feat.
Vargas remained a key figure in Seattle’s midfield for three more seasons, topping the 22 Under 22 Rankings the previous year. He also played a crucial role in Seattle’s 2025 Leagues Cup triumph over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami CF.
In total, Vargas made 130 appearances for the Sounders before sealing a dream move to his childhood favourite club, Atlético Madrid, following the 2025 season.
