Orlando City SC will be represented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup by three active squad members and a home‑grown alumnus, giving the club a global spotlight as the tournament kicks off on Thursday.

Which Orlando City players are in the World Cup?

Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau earned the No. 1 spot for Canada after a strong debut season with Orlando City SC, where he logged 1,100 minutes and recorded an 11‑save performance in the 2026 opener. Midfielder Braian Ojeda, acquired from Real Salt Lake on Jan. 2, has started every Lions match this season, tallying 1,552 minutes and four assists. Defender Marco Pasalic joins Croatia’s roster after a solid first half‑season with the club. Former defender and academy product Alex Freeman also made the U.S. Men’s National Team squad.

How did they earn their spots?

Crepeau’s 31 caps and 12 clean sheets for Canada impressed coach Jesse Marsch, who chose him over Dayne St. Clair. Ojeda’s 16 caps for Paraguay and his consistency in Orlando’s midfield helped him secure a place alongside three other MLS players on La Albirroja. Pasalic’s defensive reliability earned him a call‑up from Croatia, while Freeman’s development in the Orlando academy caught the eye of U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter.

What does this mean for Orlando City SC?

Having four players linked to the club on the world stage boosts Orlando City’s brand and can attract future talent. Crepeau’s World Cup exposure may raise his market value, while Ojeda’s performances could see him finish the MLS season as the team’s top scorer with 11 goals in 15 appearances. The club’s visibility also offers commercial opportunities during the tournament’s global broadcast.

What’s next for the Lions?

Orlando City returns to league action with a home match against Real Salt Lake on 2026-08-22, currently sitting ninth in the table. The squad is coping with injuries; F. Loyola, D. McGuire and Y. Tsukada remain sidelined. Despite the absences, Ojeda’s goal‑scoring form keeps the team in contention as the season progresses.

The World Cup will run through July, and fans will be watching closely to see how Crepeau, Ojeda, Pasalic and Freeman perform on football’s biggest stage, hoping their success translates into momentum for Orlando City SC back home.