From teetering on the brink of collapse during the early 2000s to gearing up for its 31st season with some of the world’s premier players, Major League Soccer (MLS) has made remarkable strides since its inception. Established as part of the agreement to host the 1994 World Cup, MLS has transformed into one of the leading soccer leagues globally, featuring 30 teams this weekend, up from just 10 at launch.

As Commissioner Don Garber articulated during his recent address, “We’d love to say that the World Cup is the rocket fuel, but this jet has been running for 30 years, and it’s going to run for another 30.”

The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest ever, expanding to 48 teams, with at least four first-time qualifiers expected. Moreover, it is poised to set attendance records, surpassing those achieved in 1994.

Garber emphasized the importance of MLS’s long-term vision amidst challenges, stating in response to questions about the future, “Yes, I did expect to see the world’s best players in MLS. I recognized where it was going, not merely where it could go.”

As MLS prepares for this monumental event next summer, the league is ready to showcase its growth and contributions to soccer in North America.