From 2022 to 2026: Tracking the Growth of MLS on the World's Biggest Stage

This is a guest post from my buddy Tutul Rahman, a certified MLS Sicko and spreadsheet junky who lives to crunch the numbers. I have thoughts on all of the below data – what it means for MLS in both the short and long run – that I'll happily share in the weeks and months to come.

For now, though, I think it's important to let the raw data and the context Tutul's provided speak for themselves. Two notes:

• Tutul will be back at the tournament's close with the final numbers and context.
• All of the below data was from before Canada and South Africa opened the knockouts on Sunday afternoon.

Enjoy!

MLS Players Getting More Minutes at the FIFA World Cup

Long term progress is often hard to feel without pausing to recognize it. As we embark into the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there’s one area of progress that’s very clear: MLS players have been able to get on the field in this tournament at a greater rate than in any previous edition. Much of that was to be expected, as there are 45 MLS players in this World Cup, more than ever before. Cynics can rightfully point out that this could be the expansion of the tournament by 50% from 32 teams to 48 teams, and not the improvement of the league itself.

But as we look at the data of actual minutes played by MLS players through the group stage, especially compared to other leagues, it’s clear that there is an improvement in quality within the league, and how it’s been embraced by international teams at this competition. 

Before we jump into the data, Tactics Free Zone has been kind enough to contribute to my fundraiser for Boys & Girls Clubs in providing access to low-to-no cost soccer for kids across the country. If you’re able to contribute, I’d be eternally grateful.

Per FBref, MLS finished seventh in 2026 Group Stage minutes played by league: