MLS Losing Clout as Fewer US World Cup Players Emerge from the League

MLS, once a major pipeline for US national team players, is seeing its influence dwindle as fewer of its players make the World Cup roster. This shift reflects the league's evolving focus on youth development and the changing landscape of American soccer.

When the US men's national team traveled to the 1998 World Cup, they had 16 MLS players on their 22-man roster. This was a deliberate strategy, as the new league sought to build its talent pool. However, that number has steadily declined over the years, dropping to just one MLS player starting in the 2022 World Cup.