Fifa VP Says 30-Team MLS Can Become No. 2 League as World Cup Targets $13 Billion
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 8
Fifa VP Says 30-Team MLS Can Become No. 2 League as World Cup Targets $13 Billion
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 8
Summary
Victor Montagliani said the 2026 World Cup could spark a North American “cultural revolution” that lifts 30-team MLS into the world’s second-biggest league, arguing only more star players and a higher salary cap are missing.
A projected $13 billion tournament haul underpins that optimism: Montagliani defended high ticket prices as a once-in-a-generation revenue peak for a North American World Cup, saying the money is recycled into global football.
On format, he backed the new 48-team World Cup but said talk of a 64-team edition in 2030 is premature, while calling a 48-team Club World Cup worth studying for both quality and commercial growth.
Montagliani also dismissed fears that Donald Trump or visa disputes would disrupt the event, saying U.S., Canadian and Mexican authorities have delivered strong security and logistics cooperation.
Looking beyond 2026, the 60-year-old left open a possible 2031 Fifa presidential run after Gianni Infantino’s expected final term, while saying his immediate focus is reelection at Concacaf next year.
Can MLS really become a global powerhouse, or is the World Cup just a temporary boost for the league?
Will the World Cup's legacy be a soccer boom or a cautionary tale of economic exploitation for host cities?
With record ticket prices and legal probes, is this World Cup truly for the fans or just the global elite?
2026 FIFA World Cup: Record $13 Billion Revenue, MLS Growth, and the Future of Soccer in North America
Overview
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is making history with its unprecedented scale, expanding from 32 to 48 teams and increasing matches from 64 to 104. For the first time in 32 years, the tournament returns to American soil, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with games played across 16 cities. This massive event is expected to draw millions of fans and generate record-breaking revenues, driven by expanded participation and strategic scheduling. The tournament’s growth not only boosts global engagement but also sets the stage for long-term economic and cultural impact across North America.