2026 MLS Draft Full Selection Order and Top Eligible Prospects

The 2026 MLS Draft takes place on Thursday, December 18, and while the annual tradition no longer carries the same meaning that it once did due to different pipelines for acquiring elite domestic talent, franchises will have the opportunity to add elite players who can form their foundations for years to come.

What is the current draft order and who are two of the top players to watch come Thursday?

Find out in this preview.

MLS Draft Order

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Draft order is determined by the reverse order of the previous season's standings (non-playoff teams by fewest points, then playoff teams in reverse order of elimination).

1. D.C. United

2. Atlanta United

3. FC Dallas (via trade with CF Montreal)

4. Sporting Kansas City

5. Orlando City (via trade with LA Galaxy)

6. Toronto FC

7. St. Louis City

8. New England Revolution

9. Orlando City (via trade with Houston Dynamo)

10. Colorado Rapids

11. San Jose Earthquakes

12. New York Red Bulls

13. Real Salt Lake

14. Orlando City

15. Portland Timbers

16. FC Dallas

17. Austin

18. Chicago Fire

19. Columbus Crew

20. Orlando City (via trade with Nashvile SC)

21. FC Dallas (via trade with Seattle Sounders)

22. Charlotte FC

23. Minnesota United

24. LAFC

25. Real Salt Lake (via trade with FC Cincinnati)

26. Colorado Rapids (via trade with Philadelphia Union)

27. New York City FC

28. San Diego FC

29. Vancouver Whitecaps

30. Inter Miami

Top Prospect: Ransford Gyan, Midfielder, Clemson<br>

He may be on the smaller side, by Gyan is arguably the most explosive player in this draft, especially with the ball in his possession.

He is a creator on the pitch, able to set up both himself and his teammates with scoring opportunities, thanks to his accurate passing and ability to hustle down the field with deceptive speed.

Best utilized in a dynamic attack, he would be a welcome addition to either D.C. or Atlanta United, a difference-maker with the ball and one of the elite passers in this year's draft.

As a sophomore in 2025, Gyan scored eight goals, eight assists, and established a .481 shots on goal percentage.

One of the great, complete players in this draft, he could land anywhere between the first and third pick. Anything lower would have to be considered a steal for whichever team selects him.

Junior Diouf, Forward, Grand Canyon University

After leading GCU to the Western Athletic Conference Championship and advancing his school to the Sweet 16 in the 2025 College Cup, Junior Diouf has the chance to be a franchise saver for D.C. United, should the school take him at the No. 1 spot.

An elite passer and scorer and explosive player with the ball in his possession, Diouf is the most electric player in the draft.

Incredibly accurate despite being a powerful kicker, he can wow an opponent with his passing ability as easily as he can sprint down the pitch and find the net.

Arguably the best player available, he will not immediately change the fortunes of either D.C. or Atlanta, but he will be a foundational player who will serve as the emphasis of rejuvenation for a team that badly needs it.