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MLS Influence Grows Despite Fewer US World Cup Players
TL;DR
Major League Soccer's influence is growing, even as fewer US players are expected to participate in the World Cup. MLS players have a crucial opportunity to prove themselves ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Key points
- MLS players have a crucial opportunity before the 2026 World Cup.
- Fewer US players from MLS are expected in the World Cup roster.
- Pochettino advocates for valuing MLS talent for the national team.
- Shift in USMNT selection criteria favors MLS players.
Mentioned in this story
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MLS Influence Grows Despite Fewer US World Cup Players
The narrative around Major League Soccer and the US men's national team heading into the 2026 World Cup presents a paradox. For upwards of a dozen USMNT hopefuls based in MLS, the next several matchdays are the last chance to impress the coaching staff, to drive home their case for earning a seat on the proverbial plane to World Cup adventure. Yet this represents a smaller proportion of the final roster than previous cycles.
Pochettino's MLS Philosophy Shifts the Equation
The Argentine head coach turned heads from coast to coast last August when he declared, "We need to give MLS the value, because I think competing there, I think the player can show that they can perform in the national team … It's not necessary to move from MLS to Europe." This represents a fundamental shift from previous USMNT approaches that prioritized European-based players.
Since taking charge in October 2024, U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has picked frequently from MLS' talent pool and is slated to bring a healthy number of players from the domestic league to a World Cup on home soil. The coach's recognition of MLS quality creates new pathways for domestic players.
Strategic Player Retention in World Cup Year
The 2026 World Cup's proximity has created an unusual dynamic where MLS-based players are choosing to stay rather than pursue European moves. "I think as you're heading into six months out from a World Cup, for American, Canadian and Mexican players it's an opportunity that'll happen once in a lifetime to make a World Cup roster and play in your home country. That's going to be paramount," said Richard Motzkin, executive vice president and managing director of global soccer at Wasserman, a firm that represents more than a dozen USMNT players.
Freese signed a new deal in September through 2030 and, according to one source with knowledge of the situation, has "no appetite" for a move. Freese's competition is all MLS-based with the 's and Columbus' among those hoping to challenge for the top spot. This goalkeeper competition exemplifies how MLS has become the primary pathway for certain positions.
Q&A
How many US players are expected to play in the 2026 World Cup?
The article suggests that the number of US players from MLS in the World Cup roster will be smaller compared to previous cycles.
What did Pochettino say about MLS and national team players?
Pochettino emphasized the importance of valuing MLS, stating that players can perform well for the national team without needing to move to Europe.
Why is MLS influence significant for USMNT players?
The growing influence of MLS provides USMNT hopefuls with a platform to showcase their skills and potentially secure a spot on the World Cup roster.
What changes are being made to USMNT selection criteria?
There is a shift in selection criteria that now considers MLS players more seriously, contrasting with the previous focus on European-based players.
