US soccer's World Cup exit stalls MLS momentum

The United States' early elimination from the World Cup ended a brief surge in domestic interest. Bars from Miami to Los Angeles remained full, and viewership for the tournament’s U.S. matches set record highs, with the knockout games becoming the most-watched in federation history. The MLS, which had counted on the World Cup as a catalyst for growth, saw a 62 % increase in ratings compared with the previous year but now faces a decline in average attendance and viewership, prompting analysts to label the post‑World Cup period an “nightmare for MLS.”

Former international forward Landon Donovan criticised the American youth system, noting that only two percent of organized‑football participants come from households earning under $50,000 and that club fees can reach $20,000 per year, creating a barrier for talented players from less‑affluent families. He called the current focus on winning at young ages a “disaster.”

The U.S. Soccer Federation indicated it wants to extend head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s contract through the 2030 World Cup, though talks have stalled since the team's 1‑4 loss to Belgium. Midfielder Tyler Adams summed up the team's performance: “We had the chance to create something special. We failed.”