MLS

HOUSTON, Texas — Portugal's quest for a strong start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup was slowed Wednesday afternoon as tournament newcomers DR Congo earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw at NRG Stadium. Despite an early breakthrough from João Neves and the presence of veteran star Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal was unable to secure all three points against a determined Congolese side making its first World Cup appearance since 1974. Portugal wasted little time asserting control. In the sixth

Major League Soccer will have its strongest global presence yet at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with 45 currently active MLS players named to national team rosters for the tournament. The figure represents a new league record and leads all leagues in the Western Hemisphere. Across all participating nations, a total of 105 players with MLS experience—current or former—have been selected for the tournament. This includes 44 players who developed through MLS academies or the MLS NEX

LOS ANGELES — Major League Soccer is positioning the 2026 FIFA World Cup as more than a temporary surge in attention, with league leadership describing the tournament as a foundation for sustained expansion across North America’s top soccer competition. Commissioner Don Garber said MLS has treated the World Cup—set to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico—as a long-term strategic milestone since the bidding process was awarded in 2018. The league, he noted, ha