The FIFA World Cup is a chance to showcase talent from across the globe. As Major League Soccer has continued to attract talent from every corner of the planet, plenty of familiar faces will be seen in Brazil this summer. Here are the top 10 MLS players who should be playing in Brazil in 2014.
Obafemi Martins
Nigeria | Seattle Sounders
This Nigerian forward joined the Seattle Sounders as a Designated Player and has the chops to make the final 23 this summer. He’ll face competition in the form of Bright Dike at Toronto, though, but Martins has 39 international caps and 18 goals to his name, making his case an easy one to argue for head coach Stephen Keshi.
Julio Cesar
Brazil | Toronto FC
Toronto FC’s most recent acquisition is also its biggest signing to date. Julio Cesar, Brazil’s number one starting goalkeeper, joined the Canadian club on a season-long loan specifically to get playing time for the World Cup. He could very well be the first MLS player to win the World Cup, too, should Brazil hoist the title in the end.
Landon Donovan
United States | LA Galaxy
Captain America himself swept the nation in 2010 with his goal against Algeria and he’ll once again be a key figure for the United States. Facing tough opposition in the form of Germany, Portugal and Ghana, Donovan will need to be on fire and replicate his goal scoring heroics if the U.S. has any hope of advancing into the knockout stage.
Tim Cahill
Australia | New York Red Bulls
Australia’s ever-present leader joined the New York Red Bulls a few seasons ago and has been a rock in the midfield ever since. He offers attacking versatility and is responsible defensively, allowing Thierry Henry some much-needed freedom up top to create. For Australia, Cahill’s 66 caps make him an easy choice for the final roster.
Michael Bradley
United States | Toronto FC
Another Toronto FC player signed this offseason, Michael Bradley is the anchor of the U.S. midfield and will be an important figure in the line up for Jurgen Klinsmann. Bradley offers two-way support and is no stranger to elite competition, having played with Roma for the last few years. It’s a no brainer call up for Klinsmann.
Álvaro Saborío
Costa Rica | Real Salt Lake
Costa Rica’s leading man has almost 100 caps to his name and 31 goals to boot! Saborío is a vital figure for Real Salt Lake up top and was instrumental in his club’s MLS Cup final appearance as well as his country’s World Cup qualifying efforts. He’ll be rewarded with a spot in the final 23-man roster without a doubt!
Óscar Boniek García
Honduras | Houston Dynamo
Houston’s blistering attacking winger may not be Honduras’ flashiest name, but García has made a case for himself in the last two years to warrant a spot in the World Cup. He’s been getting call ups with Honduras since 2005 and has amassed 91 caps. At 29 years old, there’s no reason García won’t be heading to the World Cup.
Jermain Defoe
England | Toronto FC
Fans of the English national team may argue that Jermain Defoe won’t be heading to the World Cup, in favour of players like Rickie Lambert, Daniel Sturridge or Danny Welbeck. However, Defoe has been in every single one of Roy Hodgson’s England teams and with 55 caps and 19 goals to his name, he offers experience to the Three Lions.
Clint Dempsey
United States | Seattle Sounders
Another jewel in the U.S. crown is Clint Dempsey, who, for a long time, was seen as the pinnacle example of American players plying their trade in Europe. That’s no longer the case, as the allure of a growing MLS saw Dempsey return home with the Seattle Sounders. He’s a lock for a World Cup spot and will represent MLS proudly.
Victor Bernárdez
Honduras | San Jose Earthquakes
A central defender like Victor Bernárdez makes a team better, and that’s certainly something the San Jose Earthquakes saw first hand. Bernárdez is a proven talent and has plenty of experience with Honduras. He’ll make the final roster and shore up the back line for Honduras, who will need it going up against teams like France.
These 10 players will most likely make their respective national teams come World Cup time, barring injuries. It’s a vast improvement from the offerings MLS showed in the last World Cup in 2010. In particular, the United States has benefited the most from the growth MLS has experienced. As this growth continues, more and more World Cup quality players will call MLS their home. Indeed, it’s an exciting time for soccer in North America.
