MLS Commissioner Sees FIFA World Cup as Catalyst for Long-Term Growth

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber views the FIFA World Cup as a pivotal event to boost enduring fandom and recognition for North American soccer. With strategic planning since 2018, MLS has expanded and invested in its structure, aided by high-profile deals and notable player arrivals like Lionel Messi.

Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber has identified the upcoming FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, as a game changer for North American soccer. In an interview with Reuters, Garber emphasized the tournament's potential to sustain long-term fan interest beyond the event itself.

Since the announcement in 2018 of the US securing hosting rights, MLS has strategically expanded by adding seven teams and nine stadiums, while adjusting roster rules to foster young talent investment. The league's partnership with Apple and Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami have further amplified its profile and fan engagement.

Garber envisions the World Cup as more than a temporary spectacle, asserting that MLS should strive for enhanced popularity and relevance in the global football landscape. He refuted the notion that MLS is merely a retirement haven for aging stars, highlighting its competitive nature and lower average player age. MLS's ambition to attract top talents like Mohamed Salah underscores its growth focus.