The World Cup has featured a record 45 MLS players. Los Angeles FC had a league-high four players selected to play for their national teams. Orlando City SC was one of eight clubs with three call-ups. Plus, a former Orlando City player became one of the breakout athletes of the tournament.
Lions Maxime Crepeau, Braian Ojeda and Marco Pasalic all had different experiences in their World Cup debuts before their sides were eliminated in the first two knockout rounds, as did former Orlando City defender Alex Freeman, who reached the round of 16 with the United States.
With Spain and Argentina, led by MLS superstar Lionel Messi, playing for the championship Sunday at 3 p.m. in East Rutherford, New Jersey, here’s a recap of how the three Lions, and the former Lion, fared for their respective countries in the quadrennial soccer extravaganza co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Orlando City returns from the Cup break in San Jose against the Earthquakes on Wednesday.
Canada goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau of Orlando City SC makes a spectacular save against South Africa in the World Cup on June 28. (Ronaldo Bolanos/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
Maxime Crepeau, Canada
Orlando City connection: First-year OCSC goalkeeper (signed as a free agent); 12-year MLS veteran; has made 14 starts for the Lions, compiling a 3.27 goals against average and a 62% save percentage; named to the MLS All-Star team.
World Cup connection: Served as Canada’s starting goalkeeper, leading the team to its first knockout stage appearance after finishing second in Group B. After being named the starter in early June, he played every minute during Canada’s five-match tournament run, which concluded with a 3-0 round of 16 loss to Morocco on July 4.
World Cup highlights: Posted two clean sheets, against Qatar in group play and South Africa in the Round of 32. It was Canada’s first knockout victory in the tournament. For the tournament, he made six saves and allowed six goals. Canada’s defense left Crepeau, 32, exposed several times in a group loss to Switzerland and the elimination loss to Morocco, though he did make several close-range stops.
He said it: “Oh, these are memories I’m taking with me forever, it’s unbelievable. The emotions, wearing the jersey … I’m pretty proud of the boys.” — Crepeau, after the loss to Morocco.
Paraguay’s Braian Ojeda, right, who plays for Orlando City, battles Germany’s Florian Wirtz during a World Cup match in Foxborough, Mass., on June 29. (Steven Senne/AP)
Braian Ojeda, Paraguay
Orlando City connection: First-year OCSC midfielder (acquired via trade); five-year MLS veteran; has started all 15 of Lions’ MLS matches; has contributed an assist and is at 90% passing accuracy.
World Cup connection: Served as a key depth midfielder for Paraguay, which finished third in Group D and reached the round of 16 before falling to France 1-0 on July 4. Many deemed Paraguay’s run a success, because the team last qualified for the tournament when it was held in South Africa in 2010.
World Cup highlight: Ojeda, 26, played in one match, Paraguay’s stunning round-of-32 upset of powerhouse Germany on June 29. He contributed 22 minutes and was 6-of-6 in passing to calm La Albirroja’s midfield, settle possession and absorb Germany’s pressure. He helped preserve the 1-1 draw, which allowed Paraguay to eventually advance 4-3 on penalty kicks.
He said it: “We trained well to, above all else, represent the jersey of Paraguay with immense pride.” — Ojeda, before the tournament.
Marco Pasalic, right, of Croatia controls the ball against Panama on June 23 during a World Cup match in Toronto. Pasalic plays for Orlando City SC. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Marco Pasalic, Croatia
Orlando City connection: Second-year OCSC attacking winger; two-year MLS veteran; has played in 10 matches with eight starts for the Lions while battling hamstring and thigh injuries; has two goals and an assist.
World Cup connection: Made three appearances with one start, playing 96 minutes for Croatia, which finished second in Group L. The Blazers lost a 2-1 heart-breaker in the round of 32 to Portugal. The dramatic defeat was a controversial moment in the tournament, as an apparent tying goal for Croatia in the 102nd minute was waved off for offside after a VAR review.
World Cup highlights: While he did not record a goal or assist, Pasalic’s play was critical to Croatia’s group-stage survival. In a must-win second match against Panama, a 1-0 victory, he got the goal-scoring sequence started with a sharp backheel pass Josip Stanisic, who crossed to goal-scorer Ante Budimir. Pasalic, 25, sent a team-high eight crosses into the box. He had a prime opportunity to score in the 57th minute on a breakaway, but his chip was saved, and he sent the rebound wide.
He said it: “It was a tough match, a tough first half. I can’t say Panama played poorly — they played solid football. But our dreams are alive.” — Pasalic, via Facebook soccer updates, about the win against Panama.
Alex Freeman, left, is a former Orlando City player who played for Team USA during the World Cup. (Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Alex Freeman, United States
Orlando City connection: Former defender played for OCSC from 2022-25 and was a MLS All-Star in 2025; transferred to Villarreal CF of Spain’s La Liga at the start of 2026.
World Cup connection: Started four of the Stars & Stripes’ five games, finishing with a goal and an assist and helping keep two clean sheets as the USMNT reached the round of 16. Operating on the right flank, Freeman became the youngest American to score and provide an assist in the tournament’s history.
World Cup highlights: Freeman, 21, started the tournament on a high note by helping launch a scoring sequence and providing an assist in an opening victory over Paraguay; he played a decisive role in the 2-0 win over Australia, scoring a spectacular goal as the Americans secured the top spot in Group D.
He said it: “Now I’m here, it shows you can never give up. Keep pushing and you never know what chance you’re going to get and how you can go and make stuff happen. You don’t know when this chance will come again.” — Freeman, about playing in the World Cup
This report was compiled with information from MLSsoccer.com, fotmob.com, Orlando City SC, FBref.com, ESPN, Yahoo Sports and Orlando Sentinel research.