MLS and the World Cup

MLS is a Top League in the World

Born out of the 1994 FIFA World Cup hosted in the United States, Major League Soccer, now in its 31st season, has made good on the vision of creating a soccer nation. At this summer's FIFA World Cup 2026, a record 45 MLS players will compete at the tournament.

World Cup will be Rocket Fuel for MLS and the Sport in the U.S. and Canada

Host Markets: All 13 World Cup host cities in the U.S. and Canada are home to MLS clubs.
Players: A record number of MLS players will represent their countries on the world’s biggest stage.
Facilities:
- Five MLS stadiums (Atlanta, Boston, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver)
- 14 MLS and MLS NEXT PRO clubs will host World Cup participating national teams at their official Team Base Camps.

League Attendances are at Record Levels

MLS is averaging 22,109 fans per match through May, with more than 4.8 million fans attending matches through the first three months of the season -- both up from 2025 and ranking as the second-highest average and total attendance figures in league history behind 2024’s record-breaking season.
Three matches this season surpassed 72,000 fans, each ranking among the top 10 largest crowds in MLS history.
Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, Inter Miami CF, LAFC, and Toronto FC have each established new club attendance marks this season.

Soccer Culture is Thriving in North America

Supporters Culture: MLS has fostered a unique soccer culture across the U.S. and Canada, with iconic fan traditions and chants that energize each match. Highlights include the electric atmosphere from LAFC’s 3252 group, Portland’s Timbers Army, Atlanta’s Golden Spike tradition, Montréal’s Bell Ring, and Minnesota’s Wonderwall anthem.

A Destination for Top Talent

MLS is a league of choice for stars and emerging talent. MLS has developed a sophisticated player development system while drawing players from more than 75 countries.
Since the start of 2024, more than $1 billion has been spent or received by MLS clubs on player transfers.
- That figure is more than the total throughout the league's first 25 years in existence (1996-2020).
2025 was a record year for MLS with $336+ million spent and more than $200 million received in transfer revenue in 2025, showcasing the global recognition for talent in MLS (ex: Alex Freeman and Obed Vargas).
- Incoming star players in 2026 include:
  - Jorge Ruvalcaba (24) (Mexican national team) from Pumas to Red Bull New York
  - Germán Berterame (27) (Mexican national team) to Inter Miami CF from Monterrey
  - Timo Werner (29) to San Jose Earthquakes from Red Bull Leipzig
  - James Rodríguez (34) (Colombian national team captain) to Minnesota United FC
  - Josh Sargent (26) (U.S. Men’s National Team) from Norwich City FC to Toronto FC

Pro Player Pathway

The successful player pathway continues to produce top talent that stars in MLS and on the national team level, including for the U.S. and Canadian Men’s and Youth National Teams, along with many other National Teams in Concacaf and around the world.
53,000 youth players are a part of our player development league MLS NEXT
1 in 4 goals in MLS in 2025 were scored or assisted by a homegrown player.
Among all the players called up the U.S. Men’s National Team in 2025, 68% of those players spent time with an MLS academy.
Rising Stars are making their mark: More young homegrown talent is ready to shine with record numbers of teenage players appearing in MLS action week-after-week (Red Bull New York's Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, Real Salt Lake’s Zavier Gozo).

World-Class Facilities

MLS has invested more than $11 Billion in soccer stadiums and infrastructure in North America and approximately 35 MLS stadiums and training centers will be used for World Cup purposes.
With the opening of Inter Miami’s Nu Stadium in April, MLS has 27 soccer-specific stadiums – with more on the way in New York City, Chicago and Boston
In addition to stadiums, MLS clubs are investing in state-of-the-art performance centers for First teams, MLS NEXT Pro sides, and MLS academies. Facilities like the brand-new Red Bull New York performance center and Sporting Kansas City’s first team and academy facilities will be utilized by World Cup teams throughout the tournament.

Club Valuations are Soaring

Five clubs are now valued at more than $1 billion, led by Inter Miami CF ($1.45B) and LAFC ($1.4B), followed by LA Galaxy ($1.17B), Atlanta United ($1.14B) and New York City FC ($1.12B). (Sportico)
MLS’ total club valuation has reached $23 billion across 30 clubs, with the average club now valued at $767 million, a 39% increase since 2021.
18 of the 50 most valuable soccer clubs in the world are in MLS, per Sportico, more than any other league in the world

Global Distribution

MLS averaged 7.9 million live match viewers per week across streaming and linear platforms through the first three months of the 2026 season, an increase of 62% year-over-year.
The strong viewership performance spans Apple TV, U.S. and Canadian linear partners, and additional international distribution platforms.
MLS’ audience growth reflects the league’s expanding reach across both streaming and linear television, providing fans with more ways than ever to watch matches.

Global Quality and Impact

MLS ranks among the top 10 leagues in terms of quality of play, with 45% of international players signed in 2025 having national team experience. The league also had more players in the 2022 FIFA World Cup than any other league in the Western Hemisphere.

Social & Digital: Record Engagement Across Platforms

MLS and club social channels now reach nearly 113 million followers globally, a 14% year-over-year increase.
MLS and club social accounts generated 5.71 billion impressions through May across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and X -- up 17% year-over-year and the highest mark since 2021.