MLS faces challenges to sustain soccer growth after World Cup excitement
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 28, 2026, 11:55 PM
Last updated Jun 28, 2026
Major League Soccer's impact on the 2026 FIFA World Cup has prompted scrutiny of its ability to grow soccer in the U.S. Despite record attendance and participation of MLS players, experts emphasize the need for the league to improve accessibility for new fans. The recent success of the tournament has highlighted cultural engagement with soccer, but MLS must capitalize by making matches easier to watch and play. Changes in media rights are underway, but further efforts are needed to attract a broader audience and foster player development at youth levels.
- •MLS helps set attendance records during the 2026 World Cup.
- •Lionel Messi becomes all-time World Cup goal-scorer with 19 goals.
- •MLS has 44 players participating, second only to top European leagues.
- •League needs to improve game accessibility and player development programs.
- 11:55 PMYahoo Sports — Swanson: World Cup shows MLS still needs to achieve major goals to grow the game
"Major League Soccer has its fingerprints all over this 2026 FIFA World Cup, yet it struggles to grow the sport in the U.S. Here's what it needs to do.
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