We are exactly one year away from June 11, when what could be the greatest World Cup in history is set to begin. A monumental event that, for the first time ever, will bring together 48 national teams and put an end to the wait of three years, five months, and 21 days since Lionel Messi and the Argentina National Team lifted the trophy at Qatar 2022.
Against this backdrop, MARCA spoke exclusively with Alfonso Mondelo, Director of Competition for Major League Soccer (MLS), who discussed the United States’ preparations to host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. He also emphasized that this tournament wouldn’t be possible without the visible growth of soccer in MLS.
The United States declares itself ready for the 2026 World Cup
More than 30 years ago, the idea that “football” or “soccer” could capture widespread attention in the U.S. was nearly unthinkable. But today, thanks to the efforts of MLS, the sport has earned its place in American sports culture.
Mondelo explained that both the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup are the product of over three decades of development, beginning with the 1994 World Cup.We are exactly one year away from June 11, when what could be the greatest World Cup in history is set to begin. A monumental event that, for the first time ever, will bring together 48 national teams and put an end to the wait of three years, five months, and 21 days since Lionel Messi and the Argentina National Team lifted the trophy at Qatar 2022.
Against this backdrop, MARCA spoke exclusively with Alfonso Mondelo, Director of Competition for Major League Soccer (MLS), who discussed the United States’ preparations to host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. He also emphasized that this tournament wouldn’t be possible without the visible growth of soccer in MLS.
The United States declares itself ready for the 2026 World Cup
More than 30 years ago, the idea that “football” or “soccer” could capture widespread attention in the U.S. was nearly unthinkable. But today, thanks to the efforts of MLS, the sport has earned its place in American sports culture.
Mondelo explained that both the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup are the product of over three decades of development, beginning with the 1994 World Cup.
“I think it’s a great source of pride for everyone who has worked in soccer in the United States to see how much it’s grown. No one expected it to develop this quickly,” he said.
“We’re heading into an exciting year. This league began in 1994 as a result of that World Cup, and what’s been achieved here in the past 30 years-making soccer one of the most relevant sports in the country-is hugely important. I believe this World Cup will be the culmination of all that progress.”
One of the most notable achievements has been the MLS infrastructure, which has played a crucial role in enabling the U.S. to host elite sporting events.
“In the early years, matches were held in American football stadiums. Today, we have 23 soccer-specific stadiums, with two more under construction. The growth has been incredible, thanks to long-term investment and vision.”
MLS: A League Built on America’s Sports Culture
In the U.S., sports are an integral part of society. None of this growth in soccer would be possible without the business experience brought in by MLS owners, many of whom also own NFL, NBA, or MLB franchises.
“Most MLS team owners also own franchises in other sports. They understand the sports business.
Today, among young people aged 16 to 40, soccer trails only the NFL in popularity. It has even surpassed the NBA and baseball. That’s a huge sign of the rise of soccer in the U.S..”
Lionel Messi’s Transformative Impact on MLS
When asked about the influence of Lionel Messi in MLS, Mondelo emphasized that the Argentine’s arrival at Inter Miami has had a profound effect on and off the field.
“Messi’s impact is multi-dimensional. On the pitch, Inter Miami has improved tremendously. Off the pitch, it’s amazing to see his draw-wherever he goes, there are often more Messi and Inter Miami jerseys than those of the home team.
In the long run, I believe this will be transformational. These young fans inspired by Messi could define the next generation of American soccer players. His arrival is a milestone in U.S. soccer history.”
Could Cristiano Ronaldo Join MLS? Mondelo Responds
Of course, we had to ask about the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo in MLS.
“No, those are just rumors. One day he’s in Mexico, the next he’s moving clubs in Saudi Arabia. There’s no truth to it.
We should focus on the players who are already here and continue attracting high-profile signings to grow the league.”
A Historic World Cup, Made Possible by MLS Growth
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be unlike any tournament that came before it.
“Hosting this tournament-along with Mexico and Canada-will be a unique experience.
For the first time ever, 48 nations will compete, and we’re confident this will be one of the best World Cups in history.
With our world-class stadiums and facilities, the world will witness just how far soccer in the U.S. has come.”
Youth Development: Key to the Future of U.S. Soccer
Finally, Mondelo touched on the importance of developing American players-a major change in how clubs approach the game.
“When MLS began, no club had youth academies. Today, all of them do.
We’re now seeing players come through who are good enough to move abroad, and many are already at top European clubs.
MLS is now an active part of the global soccer market, developing and exporting talent.”
“I think it’s a great source of pride for everyone who has worked in soccer in the United States to see how much it’s grown. No one expected it to develop this quickly,” he said.
“We’re heading into an exciting year. This league began in 1994 as a result of that World Cup, and what’s been achieved here in the past 30 years-making soccer one of the most relevant sports in the country-is hugely important. I believe this World Cup will be the culmination of all that progress.”
One of the most notable achievements has been the MLS infrastructure, which has played a crucial role in enabling the U.S. to host elite sporting events.
“In the early years, matches were held in American football stadiums. Today, we have 23 soccer-specific stadiums, with two more under construction. The growth has been incredible, thanks to long-term investment and vision.”
MLS: A League Built on America’s Sports Culture
In the U.S., sports are an integral part of society. None of this growth in soccer would be possible without the business experience brought in by MLS owners, many of whom also own NFL, NBA, or MLB franchises.
“Most MLS team owners also own franchises in other sports. They understand the sports business.
Today, among young people aged 16 to 40, soccer trails only the NFL in popularity. It has even surpassed the NBA and baseball. That’s a huge sign of the rise of soccer in the U.S..”
Lionel Messi’s Transformative Impact on MLS
When asked about the influence of Lionel Messi in MLS, Mondelo emphasized that the Argentine’s arrival at Inter Miami has had a profound effect on and off the field.
“Messi’s impact is multi-dimensional. On the pitch, Inter Miami has improved tremendously. Off the pitch, it’s amazing to see his draw-wherever he goes, there are often more Messi and Inter Miami jerseys than those of the home team.
In the long run, I believe this will be transformational. These young fans inspired by Messi could define the next generation of American soccer players. His arrival is a milestone in U.S. soccer history.”
Could Cristiano Ronaldo Join MLS? Mondelo Responds
Of course, we had to ask about the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo in MLS.
“No, those are just rumors. One day he’s in Mexico, the next he’s moving clubs in Saudi Arabia. There’s no truth to it.
We should focus on the players who are already here and continue attracting high-profile signings to grow the league.”
A Historic World Cup, Made Possible by MLS Growth
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be unlike any tournament that came before it.
“Hosting this tournament-along with Mexico and Canada-will be a unique experience.
For the first time ever, 48 nations will compete, and we’re confident this will be one of the best World Cups in history.
With our world-class stadiums and facilities, the world will witness just how far soccer in the U.S. has come.”
Youth Development: Key to the Future of U.S. Soccer
Finally, Mondelo touched on the importance of developing American players-a major change in how clubs approach the game.
“When MLS began, no club had youth academies. Today, all of them do.
We’re now seeing players come through who are good enough to move abroad, and many are already at top European clubs.
MLS is now an active part of the global soccer market, developing and exporting talent.”
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