MLS Influence Grows Despite Fewer US World Cup Players | OneFootball

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 New England Revolution's Matt Turner and Columbus' Patrick Schulte among those hoping to challenge for the top spot. This goalkeeper competition exemplifies how MLS has become the primary pathway for certain positions.

Quality Over Quantity in Key Positions

While the absolute number of MLS players may be lower, their concentration in specific roles has increased. Whether it's New York City FC's Matt Freese, the New England Revolution's Matt Turner, or even a goalkeeper like Zack Steffen of the Colorado Rapids or Patrick Schulte of the Columbus Crew making a late push, it looks like the USMNT's starting goalkeeper will be based in MLS.

The league's influence extends beyond goalkeeping. Columbus Crew defender Max Arfsten, Orlando City defender Alex Freeman, New York City FC goalkeeper Matt Freese and Real Salt Lake's Diego Luna all boosted their stock over the course of the year at both club and international levels, giving credence to U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino's vow to look under every rock and tree for capable players.

Structural Changes Reflect Growing Importance

The 2026 World Cup has forced structural accommodations that demonstrate MLS's centrality to US soccer. The MLS will break for the World Cup that is being hosted in North America. "We're looking ahead to 2025, 2026, and 2027 to consider and make adjustments to our schedules so we don't lose quite as many players to these competitions that conflict with our season."

"The 80-team format is custom for 2026 based on the World Cup's impact on venues, player availability and other resources," said Applegate. "The schedule for the 2026 US Open Cup avoids all dates of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, and will be down to the semifinalists by late May, before finally resuming with the final matches in September." These calendar adjustments show how the entire US soccer ecosystem now revolves around MLS scheduling.

The Strategic Shift Forward

The apparent contradiction resolves when viewed strategically rather than numerically. MLS may contribute fewer total players to the 2026 World Cup roster, but those players occupy more critical positions and represent a more intentional development pathway. Pochettino's philosophy validates MLS as a legitimate route to international success, while the home World Cup creates unique retention dynamics that strengthen the league's position in the US soccer hierarchy.

This represents evolution rather than decline. The league's influence on US soccer has become more targeted and structurally embedded, even as the raw numbers may suggest otherwise.