A record 22 Major League Soccer players are headed to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, which is set to begin on Thursday and run until July 13.
This number continues to rise, as the league sent six players to soccer's biggest stage in 2010, 11 in 2002, and 19 in 1998.
As expected, the U.S men’s national team makes up a majority of the MLS contingent heading to Brazil, with 11 players named to Jurgen Klinsmann's side. However, the 11 players that will be a part of a non-U.S. side is another record number for MLS.
Notable names with MLS ties include Toronto FC’s Julio Cesar, who is expected to be the starting goalkeeper for the host Brazilians, and David Villa, the Spanish national team’s all-time leading scorer, who will begin his MLS career with expansion New York City FC in 2015.
Caesar, Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (United States) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC right back Steven Beitashour (Iran) are the only players representing Canadian MLS teams.
In total, 13 MLS clubs will be represented in the tournament.
Here’s a complete list of MLS players headed to Brazil:
AUSTRALIA:
Tim Cahill, forward, New York Red Bulls
BRAZIL:
Julio Cesar, goalkeeper, Toronto FC
COSTA RICA:
Giancarlo González, defender, Columbus Crew
Waylon Francis, defender Columbus Crew
Roy Miller, defender, New York Red Bulls
ECUADOR:
Oswaldo Minda, midfielder, Chivas USA
HONDURAS:
Victor Bernardez, defender, San Jose Earthquakes
Marvin Chavez, midfielder, Chivas USA
Oscar Boniek Garcia, midfielder, Houston Dynamo
Jerry Bengtson, forward, New England Revolution
SPAIN
David Villa, forward, New York City FC
IRAN:
Steven Beitashour, defender, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
UNITED STATES:
Nick Rimando, goalkeeper, Real Salt Lake
Matt Besler, defender, Sporting Kansas City
Omar Gonzalez, defender, Los Angeles Galaxy
DeAndre Yedlin, defender, Seattle Sounders FC
Kyle Beckerman, midfielder, Real Salt Lake
Michael Bradley, midfielder, Toronto FC
Brad Davis, midfielder, Houston Dynamo
Graham Zusi, midfielder, Sporting Kansas City
Clint Dempsey, forward, Seattle Sounders FC
Chris Wondolowski, forward, San Jose Earthquakes
