Poll: Can MLS Take Advantage of World Cup Excitement?

[Editor’s note: Welcome to Athlon Sports’ poll of the day, where we ask readers to weigh in on the biggest topic of the day. Thanks for voting, and be sure to sound off in the comment section.] Thanks world, we’ll take it from here. That’s the key marketing strategy for Major League Soccer, which ...

by Craig Ellenport

Jul 21, 2026

Lionel Messi controls the ball against Harry Kane during the 2026 World Cup semifinal match between England and Argentina.

Elsa/Getty Images

[Editor’s note: Welcome to Athlon Sports’ poll of the day, where we ask readers to weigh in on the biggest topic of the day. Thanks for voting, and be sure to sound off in the comment section.]

“Thanks world, we’ll take it from here.”

That’s the key marketing strategy for Major League Soccer, which is hoping to capitalize on the excitement generated by the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which concluded Sunday with Spain’s 1-0 championship victory over Argentina. The MLS has been playing since 1996, but it’s never threatened the big four American sports leagues — NFL, MLB, NBA and NHL — in terms of popularity.

The World Cup drew incredible TV ratings here in the U.S., and the MLS is quick to remind new soccer fans that they can see World Cup stars like Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami), Sebastian Berhalter (U.S./Vancouver Whitecaps) and Steven Moreira (Cape Verde/Columbus Crew).

So…

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