Is the World Cup bump real? MLS is going to find out

Guardian Sport

by Pablo Iglesias Maurer

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

MLS stakeholders are banking on the buzz from this summer’s World Cup to propel the league forward, but questions remain about whether the anticipated boost will materialize and last. This hope harks back to a similar moment in 1998, when MLS was still eight years away, but the idea of a “World Cup bump” began to take shape. FIFA had awarded the 1994 World Cup to the United States with a key condition: the host must have a competitive club league by 1994, a requirement not met after the collapse of the North American Soccer League in 1985. When the US missed that deadline, MLS emerged two years later, debuting in 1996. The article explores whether the current World Cup in North America could serve as the long-awaited catalyst for MLS to achieve its goal of becoming a global powerhouse. While there’s hope that increased visibility and interest from the World Cup will translate into sustained growth for MLS, skepticism persists about whether this bump will be more than just a fleeting moment. The stakes are high for MLS, which is looking to capitalize on the World Cup’s popularity to attract more fans, improve infrastructure, and potentially lure top international players. However, past attempts at leveraging World Cup momentum have not always led to lasting success for the league, raising doubts about whether this time will be different. Ultimately, the article highlights why this matters: soccer fans and sports enthusiasts are eager to see if MLS can finally break through into a new era of prominence. The outcome could shape the future of soccer in the U.S., determining whether the league can solidify its place as a top-tier global competition or continue to struggle with inconsistent success.

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/19/2026