A sense of stagnation is setting in around MLS. The league needs a World Cup bump
Major League Soccer (MLS) is experiencing a sense of stagnation as it approaches the 2026 World Cup. While the league has grown since its inception, it faces challenges in elevating its status compared to other global leagues. The upcoming World Cup presents an opportunity for MLS to gain momentum, but its potential impact remains uncertain.
- ▪MLS has expanded to 30 teams with dedicated fanbases and improved stadiums since its launch in 1996.
- ▪The league is perceived to have hit a ceiling, with budgets still lagging behind the world's top leagues.
- ▪The 2026 World Cup is seen as a critical moment for MLS, but it is unclear how the tournament will directly benefit the league.
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Many MLS clubs have vibrant fanbases but has the league hit a ceiling? Photograph: Jess Stiles/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenMany MLS clubs have vibrant fanbases but has the league hit a ceiling? Photograph: Jess Stiles/ZUMA Press Wire/ShutterstockWorld Cup 2026A sense of stagnation is setting in around MLS. The league needs a World Cup bumpLeander SchaerlaeckensThe 1994 World Cup transformed the domestic game in the US. MLS will hope a similar change can give the league a much-needed joltWed 27 May 2026 05.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 27 May 2026 05.01 EDTShareIn the thinking of the people who put them on, mega-events can never just be their own thing. They must leave a legacy, or, if possible, a Legacy.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Guardian — US.
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