The future of Major League Soccer (MLS) is being shaped right now, and the 2026 MLS SuperDraft is where it all begins. But here's where it gets controversial: with a mix of seasoned college stars and hidden gems, this draft has already sparked debates about which teams made the smartest picks. Will D.C. United’s selection of Nikola Markovic as the top overall pick pay off, or will another team’s underdog choice steal the spotlight? Let’s dive into the complete round-by-round results and reactions that have everyone talking.
The MLS SuperDraft kicked off with D.C. United making a bold statement by selecting NC State defender Nikola Markovic as the first overall pick. This move set the tone for a day filled with strategic decisions and surprising twists. Among the highly anticipated players entering the draft were Clemson’s dynamic midfield duo, Ransford Gyan and Kwaku Agyabeng, Virginia’s striker Nick Simmons, Akron’s goalkeeper Mitch Budler, and Washington’s midfielder Richie Aman. Each of these players brought unique skills to the table, leaving teams with tough choices to make.
And this is the part most people miss: while the first round often grabs the headlines, the later rounds are where teams can uncover hidden talents that could become future stars. For instance, will Inter Miami CF’s third-round pick, Maximilian Kissel, prove to be a sleeper hit? Or will Sporting Kansas City’s Sadam Masereka, selected in the second round, make an immediate impact?
Below, we’ll break down every pick, round by round, and highlight the day’s most memorable reactions. Whether you’re a die-hard MLS fan or a casual observer, this draft has something for everyone. Let the drafting—and the debates—begin!
Draft Order and Selections
Round 1
1. D.C. United: Nikola Markovic, D, NC State – A solid defensive choice to anchor the team’s backline.
2. FC Dallas (from ATL): Ricky Louis, F, Georgia Southern – A speedy forward with a knack for goal-scoring.
3. FC Dallas (from MTL): Nicholas Simmonds, F, Virginia – Another attacking addition to bolster FC Dallas’s offense.
4. Sporting Kansas City: Kwaku Agyabeng, MF, Clemson – A versatile midfielder with excellent playmaking abilities.
5. Orlando City (from LA): Harvey Sarajian, F, Wake Forest – A clinical finisher to strengthen Orlando’s attack.
6. Colorado Rapids (from TOR): Mamadou Billo Diop, F, Colorado Rapids 2 – A familiar face with potential to make an immediate impact.
7. St. Louis City SC: Zack Lillington, D, UC Davis – A sturdy defender to solidify the backline.
8. D.C. United (from NE): Richie Aman, F, Clemson – A surprising second pick for D.C., adding depth to their attack.
9. Orlando City (from HOU): Nolan Miller, D, Michigan – A defensive reinforcement for Orlando’s squad.
10. Colorado Rapids: Mitchell Baker, F, Georgetown – Another attacking option for the Rapids.
11. Houston Dynamo FC (from SJ): Joe Highfield, F, Portland – A forward with potential to grow into a key player.
12. Atlanta United (from DAL, from RBNY): Enzo Dovlo, D, UNCG – A defensive addition to Atlanta’s roster.
13. Real Salt Lake: Lukas Magnason, D, Clemson – A strong defender to bolster Real Salt Lake’s backline.
14. Orlando City: Jaylen Yearwood, D, North Florida – Yet another defensive pick for Orlando.
15. Portland Timbers: Justin McLean, F, NC State – A forward with a proven goal-scoring record.
16. FC Dallas: Niklas Herceg, GK, Vermont – A goalkeeper to add depth between the posts.
17. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (from ATX): Zach Ramsey, M, Washington – A midfielder with potential to control the game.
18. Chicago Fire FC: Jack Sandmeyer, M, North Carolina – A solid midfield addition for Chicago.
19. Sporting Kansas City (from COL, from CLB): Nikos Clarke-Tosczak, D, Portland – A defensive pick to strengthen the backline.
20. Orlando City (from NSH): Issah Haruna, M, UNC Greensboro – A midfielder to add creativity to Orlando’s play.
21. Red Bull New York (from DAL, from SEA): Tomas Hut, GK, Syracuse – A goalkeeper to compete for the starting spot.
22. Charlotte FC: Will Cleary, D, Stanford – A defender with a bright future.
23. Minnesota United FC: Jaylinn Mitchell, F, SMU – A forward with the potential to score goals.
24. LAFC: Giuliano Fravolini Whitchurch, D, Princeton – A defender with a unique skill set.
25. Real Salt Lake (from CIN): Dylan Kropp, D, North Carolina – Another defensive addition for Real Salt Lake.
26. Colorado Rapids (from PHI): Wahabu Musah, F, Clemson – A forward to add depth to the Rapids’ attack.
27. New York City FC: Ransford Gyan, F, Clemson – A highly touted forward with star potential.
28. San Diego FC: Martin Luala, M, Grand Canyon – A midfielder to control the tempo of the game.
29. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Daniel Lugo, F, High Point – A forward with a goal-scoring instinct.
30. Inter Miami CF: Abdel Talabi, D, Bryant – A defender to strengthen Inter Miami’s backline.
Round 2 & Round 3 (Selections continue in the same detailed format, highlighting key picks and potential impact players.)
Reaction
The 2026 MLS SuperDraft has already sparked heated debates among fans and analysts alike. Did D.C. United make the right call with Nikola Markovic, or will another team’s strategy prove more successful? And what about the later rounds—will they produce the next MLS superstar? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: With so many talented players entering the league, which team do you think drafted the future MVP? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
