Victor Montagliani says MLS can rival top global leagues

The Guardian Sport2 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 7:33 PM

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

Victor Montagliani says MLS can rival top global leagues
Summary

In an interview with The Guardian published today, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani expressed his belief that Major League Soccer could emerge as the second-largest football league in the world, potentially eclipsing the Premier League. He linked this potential growth to the upcoming World Cup in North America, suggesting it might initiate a 'cultural revolution' for the sport on the continent. Montagliani defended the controversial ticket prices for the World Cup, viewing them as a necessary measure to maximize FIFA's revenue for global football support. He also discussed the possibility of expanding the Club World Cup to 48 teams and hinted at a potential run for FIFA presidency in 2031 after Gianni Infantino's term.

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By the Numbers
  • Montagliani predicts MLS growth driven by North American World Cup.
  • He defends World Cup ticket pricing as beneficial for global football.
  • Supports expanding the Club World Cup to 48 teams.
  • Hints at running for FIFA president in 2031.
Latest Updates
  • 7:33 PMThe Guardian SportFifa vice-president Victor Montagliani: ‘MLS can become the second-biggest league in the world. Maybe the biggest’
What they're saying
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The Canadian has been tipped as Gianni Infantino’s successor. He defends World Cup ticket prices and explains why the Premier League may soon have a rival Victor Montagliani believes the World Cup will trigger a “cultural revolution” in North America that could result in Major League Soccer rivaling the Premier League at the top of club football. In an exclusive interview with the Guardian, the president of Concacaf, who is also Fifa vice president: Defended the tournament’s controversial pricing strategy on the grounds that a World Cup in North America will be the peak of Fifa’s earning power that funds global football. Claimed Donald Trump will have “no part to play” at the tournament and that Fifa is “more than one guy.” Insisted it is too early to begin discussing expanding the World Cup to 64 teams, something which has been requested by South American confederation Conmebol. Expressed support for increasing the Club World Cup to 48 teams to raise standards and drive revenue growth. Left the door open to running for the Fifa presidency in 2031, after Gianni Infantino completes a final term following his expected reelection next year. Continue reading...

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