2026 22 Under 22 Rankings

The announcement named Red Bull New York forward Julian Hall, midfielder Adri Mehmeti and Ronald Donkor; Chicago Fire FC defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi; FC Dallas midfielder Kaick; and United States men’s national team forward Cavan Sullivan, who is highlighted as a repeat honoree. Chicago Fire FC’s official site highlighted Mbokazi’s selection, while Big D Soccer reported Kaick’s inclusion. Sports Illustrated ran a feature titled “USMNT Star Cavan Sullivan Makes More History With Major MLS Award,” underscoring the significance of his continued recognition.

The ‘22 Under 22’ award has become a benchmark for emerging talent within Major League Soccer, offering a platform for young players to gain league‑wide visibility and, in some cases, to reinforce their standing with national‑team programs. Sports Illustrated’s emphasis on Sullivan’s “more history” suggests that repeated selections are noteworthy within the MLS ecosystem. The presence of representatives from Red Bull New York, Chicago Fire FC and FC Dallas illustrates the geographic breadth of the league’s youth development pipeline and signals that clubs are actively promoting their under‑22 prospects.

Future reporting is expected to follow the on‑field performance of the named players throughout the 2026 MLS season, as well as any additional honors the league may issue, such as monthly young‑player awards. Observers will watch for statements from the clubs and MLS regarding the impact of the rankings on contract negotiations, marketing initiatives, or further youth‑development programs. MLSsoccer.com will remain the central source for updates related to the 22 Under 22 cohort.