FIFA Chief Infantino Champions MLS Growth and Promotion-Relegation System for U.S. Soccer's Rise
FIFA's chief Gianni Infantino expresses strong confidence in soccer's prospects within the United States.
Even with disappointing crowd numbers at various FIFA Club World Cup and Concacaf Gold Cup events during the summer months, Infantino remained optimistic about the sport's trajectory in North America during Sunday's remarks, suggesting it could eventually emerge as the "top sport in America."
During his appearance at Fanatics Fest in New York City, Infantino discussed the sport's future at both international and domestic club levels, highlighting anticipated growth from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and MLS's ongoing expansion.
"Within three to four years, possibly five at most..., [soccer and MLS] will reach the pinnacle. Definitely among the world's premier leagues," Infantino declared. "And I can explain why — it's because I'm present now."
Although soccer's popularity and MLS have steadily expanded since the league's establishment after the 1994 World Cup, the sport continues to lag behind America's traditional professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, despite MLS achieving the third-best average match attendance, primarily due to venue capacity and ticket costs.
Wrexham's Success Story and U.S. Promotion-Relegation System
Additionally, Infantino addressed questions about Wrexham AFC's remarkable journey, which has transcended sports to become a cultural phenomenon in America, with the team's consecutive promotions featured in the FX series "Welcome to Wrexham," supported by famous owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
"This exemplifies the magic of promotion and relegation," Infantino commented on Wrexham's ascent. "In soccer, unlike other sports, unexpected outcomes occur, allowing smaller teams to triumph over larger ones. This phenomenon is extremely rare in other sports; typically, the favored team wins 90 percent of the time. In soccer, it's only 70 percent."
Presently, American professional soccer lacks promotion and relegation systems at both MLS and USL tiers; nevertheless, USL intends to implement this structure alongside a new top division called "USL Premier" to rival MLS by 2027.
"This concept could be integrated into American sporting culture, where promotion and relegation doesn't currently exist," he continued. "It presents an intriguing possibility that deserves consideration."
Youth Soccer Payment Model
During his conversation with Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz, Infantino also criticized the "pay-to-play" system, which has made soccer participation financially challenging for many American families.
"Children should have free access to football," he stated. "In Europe or Africa, you can participate in football without cost, you can play soccer freely. We must establish this same principle in the U.S., and then we'll witness talented players choosing soccer."
Throughout 2024, more than three million American children registered for soccer participation, representing the highest youth sports enrollment figure. Nevertheless, according to Jersey Watch research, annual youth soccer expenses can surpass $1,100 per participant, creating substantial financial pressure amid current economic challenges.
Infantino added: "This transformation is what we're implementing through the FIFA Club World Cup and next year's World Cup, demonstrating to young Americans that with skill and talent, they don't need to pursue other sports, because soccer offers pathways to both achievement and financial success."
"FIFA's responsibility involves persuading local authorities and municipal governments to develop playing surfaces and fields for children's use. Subsequently, parents will emerge to support and coach their children."