MLS Influence Shifts: Fewer Stars on USMNT, More Academy Products as World Cup Nears
The number of active Major League Soccer players starting for the USMNT in the World Cup has drastically decreased since the league’s inception, with the upcoming tournament expected to feature the fewest MLS starters ever.
However, MLS’s influence is increasingly being felt through its academies, as a significant majority of the projected USMNT roster consists of players developed domestically, showcasing a strategic shift towards youth development.