Major League Soccer faces schedule congestion and post‑World Cup strategic crossroads

Los Angeles FC head coach Marc Dos Santos criticised the MLS All‑Star Game, saying the mid‑season showcase adds to an already compressed calendar and leaves teams with little time for recovery, increasing fatigue and injury risk for players.

The league is also navigating a strategic crossroads following the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Executives are reviewing roster rules, luxury‑tax thresholds and target allocation money to allow more aggressive signings, while stadium owners confront costly adaptations to meet FIFA‑compliant pitch standards and heightened security needs. The tournament generated record occupancy and revenue for host cities, prompting officials to seek ways to sustain those economic gains in the regular season.