MLS can be world’s top league by 2026 – Curtin

MLS can be world's top league by 2026 - Curtin

Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin brushed off suggestions he needs to test himself in Europe by stating that Major League Soccer could become the “top league in the world” by 2026.

Curtin was speaking to ESPN’s Herculez Gomez ahead of Saturday’s MLS Cup final, where his team will take on host LAFC at Los Angeles’ Banc of California Stadium, when he was asked about whether he hopes to one day coach at a higher level.

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“The stadiums, the facilities, the players that are coming here, the coaches that are coming here, why is it so crazy that by 2026 this isn’t the top league in the world,” Curtin said.

The United States, Canada and Mexico will jointly host the World Cup in 2026, which MLS has long touted as a major opportunity to grow the league.

“I’m going to be the guy that’s going to get in trouble for saying this, but what if this is the league,” Curtin added, while noting that he “would love to test myself if it’s the right situation” in Europe.