Russia 2018: LAFC Players Headed To The World Cup

The start of the FIFA World Cup in Russia is exactly one month away. On Monday, managers of all 32 countries competing in the 2018 tournament must officially name a provisional squad. 

The provisional squads consist of 30-35 players selected by the country's coach that could be included in the final roster for the World Cup. Teams have until June 4 to announce their official 23-man tournament roster.

As the MLS club with the most potential participants in this year's World Cup, LAFC is expected to have multiple players called in by their respective national teams. Below is the running list of players named to provisional squads:

Laurent Ciman - Belgium

Le Général has been selected to Robert Martinez's provisional 28-man squad for Belgium.

Ciman has 19 appearances for the Red Devils and was part of the 2014 World Cup squad. This season, the LAFC captain has scored twice, including the game-winning goal against Seattle in the Club's home opener, and contributed to four clean sheets. 

Belgium is expected to name its final squad for the 2018 tournament on June 4.

Update: Belgium head coach Robert Martinez has named Laurent Ciman as a reserve on his World Cup roster. If an injury replacement is needed, Ciman will be headed to his second World Cup.

Steven Beitashour - Iran

Born in San Jose, Calif., to Iranian parents, Steven Beitashour first featured for the Iranian National Team in 2013.

A member of the 2014 Iran World Cup squad, Beita has been named in coach Carlos Queiroz's 35-man provisional side. The right back now has the opportunity to make his second World Cup squad.

Update: On May 20, Iranian head coach Carlos Queiroz named his squad for the 2018 World Cup without the inclusion of Beitashour. 

Omar Gaber - Egypt

Omar Gaber was one of the 29 players chosen by head coach Hector Cuper to provisional squad of Egypt's first World Cup since 1990.

The 26-year-old defender is a veteran of World Cups in youth tournaments for Egypt, and now has his chance at a first appearance in the senior competition.

Gaber has 22 appearances for the Pharaohs since his first senior call-up in 2011. 

Update: Gaber is headed to Russia. The defender was selected as part of the 23-man squad on Monday. Russia 2018 will be his first World Cup.

Carlos Vela - Mexico

A veteran of the 2010 World Cup, Carlos Vela has been a consistent starter during Mexico's qualifying campaign.

The LAFC forward has appeared 67 times for El Tri, scoring 18 goals. He's now on the verge of his second World Cup appearance.

Update: Vela has been selected by Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio as part of Mexico's 23-man squad headed to Russia. 

Marco Ureña - Costa Rica

Costa Rica head coach Óscar Ramírez cut right to the chase on Monday, naming his final 23-man roster before the June 4 deadline. LAFC forward Marco Ureña is part of the squad that will represent Costa Rica this summer.

For Ureña, it is his second World Cup selection. The forward recently had surgery to repair a facial fracture suffered in LAFC's home opener against Seattle. While injury substitutions can be made, it is expected Ureña will be healthy in time to board the plane to Russia.