The 2026 World Cup has been a resounding success for Major League Soccer, with the American league's exposure to a global audience expected to have a lasting impact.
According to MLS executive vice-president Dan Courtemanche, the league will continue to capitalise on the momentum generated by the tournament, with a view to becoming one of the world's elite leagues.
MLS started in 1996 with 10 teams and zero purpose-built stadiums. Thirty years later, the league has 30 clubs and almost as many football-specific stadiums.
The World Cup, which was held in the United States, has been a game-changer for MLS, with the league's players and teams gaining significant exposure. The US team's loss to Belgium at the last-16 stage delivered the most-watched football game on one network in US history, with over 33 million viewers tuning in.
MLS is looking to build on this momentum, with a summer-to-spring season scheduled to start in 2027, aligned with Europe's calendar. This change is expected to make it easier for players to move between leagues.
The league is also investing in youth development leagues, with all MLS teams running youth academies. This is a significant step forward for MLS, as the league looks to produce its own stars and compete with the top European leagues.
With its strong growth record and ambitious plans, MLS is poised to become a major player in the world of football. The World Cup has been a game-changer for the league, and it will be interesting to see how MLS evolves in the coming years.