Feb 21, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Julian Hall (16) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first half against Orlando City SC at Inter & Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Julian Hall’s burgeoning career has received its highest honor yet, as Red Bull New York’s 18-year-old wunderkind was named to the 2026 Major League Soccer All-Star Game on July 29 in Charlotte, where a squad of the league’s top talents takes on the best of Liga MX.
Expectations have always been sky-high for the New York City native, who many hope is the future of American soccer should he decide to represent the Stars & Stripes in international play over Poland. But in the meantime, he is exceeding almost everything that was put on his shoulders by handling the pros in such an impressive manner at such a young age.
In 15 league matches this season, Hall has nine goals and three assists. Only eight other players, one being Lionel Messi, have scored more goals than him.
“It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid. I always watched the All-Star Game, and I think, especially in America, it’s a pretty significant thing to be an All-Star,” Hall told amNewYork. “I definitely knew it was in the cards to potentially be an All-Star. It wasn’t obviously my No. 1 focus because I just want to help the team progress and get better, but it’s something that is just the cherry on top. I couldn’t have done anything without my teammates and my coaches. So this is something that’s rewarded to all of us, honestly. Everything I’ve done this season is because of the people around me.”
Perhaps the most refreshing part of Hall’s nomination was the intense desire to participate in this event, which is not always the case in this country. Across the “Big 4” sports in the United States, All-Star games have become nothing more than glorified exhibitions where effort is optional, and entertainment value has naturally declined. The Pro Bowl has become a flag football game. The NBA All-Star Game becomes a high-scoring slog filled with logo 3-point attempts and speculative alley-oop tries. The NHL All-Star Game has changed its format so many times over the last 25 years that it’s nearly impossible to keep track of. Even MLB’s Midsummer Classic has lost its luster over the years amid the year-round onslaught of interleague play.
“You’re playing against another league. You don’t know them. You’re definitely not friends with them,” Hall told amNewYork. “The NBA All-Star Game, a lot of the guys know each other, and no one wants to get hurt. I feel like there’s more tension and competitiveness when it comes to the MLS All-Star Game. That’s what makes it different and attracts more eyes in that way.”
Even more important to Hall is the momentum MLS can carry off the heels of the 2026 World Cup, which will be completed at MetLife Stadium, a few miles east of Red Bull’s home, just 10 days before the All-Star Game. This becomes a golden opportunity for America’s league to grab the attention of some of the new fans made during this summer’s quadrennial spectacle.
“With the World Cup being here and this being shortly after, there are going to be more eyes on this,” Hall said. “It’s a way for MLS to prove that we’re better than people are saying we are and showing that we can compete with Liga MX.”
For more on Julian Hall and Red Bull New York, visit AMNY.com
