Don Garber: "2026 World Cup will Boost US Soccer Growth"

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2026 World Cup's Impact on Football's Growth in the US

Don Garber, MLS Commissioner, highlighted the significant impact the upcoming 2026 World Cup is expected to have on the growth of football in the United States. Speaking at the 11th Aspire Academy Global Summit in Philadelphia, Garber drew parallels between the foundational influence of the 1994 World Cup, which led to the establishment of Major League Soccer, and the anticipated boost the 2026 tournament will provide. He anticipates this event will catalyze the development of the sport across all levels in America, from youth soccer to professional men's and women's leagues.

Garber credited the 1994 World Cup for the existence and subsequent rise of Major League Soccer and shared his optimism about the 2026 World Cup serving as a "rocket fuel" for further growth. This expansion includes significant involvement from MLS teams in World Cup-related activities, reminiscent of the engagement seen during the Qatar World Cup. Garber also underlined the role of the World Cup in energizing the host country’s enthusiasm and engagement with football.

Having served as the MLS Commissioner since 1999, Garber has witnessed and overseen transformational changes within the league, including its expansion, the influx of high-profile players such as Lionel Messi, and record-setting attendance. He also emphasized the importance of developing homegrown talent, a critical area of focus for MLS. The success of teams like Philadelphia Union, which heavily features academy players, underscores the league’s investment in youth development. Infrastructure development to support this growth is also a key focus, with new facilities being established across various markets to nurture talent from a young age.

The Commissioner's remarks not only reflect his long-term vision for football in the US but also underscore the broader implications of international events like the World Cup on local sports ecosystems. With the World Cup poised to return to North American soil, Garber’s insights suggest a promising future for soccer in the US, marked by enhanced facilities, more robust youth development programs, and an overall increase in the sport's popularity and reach.