MLS
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It began in 1993 as part of the United States' bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup and launched its first season in 1996 with 12 teams. The league features a mix of domestic and international talent and operates under a salary-cap system with designated players.
⚡ Attack-minded and fast-paced league with a balance of young talent and experienced players, employing a salary-cap and designated-player structure to attract star names.
📌 Notable Facts
- Established in 1993 as part of the U.S. bid for the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
- Expanded from 12 teams in 1996 to nearly 30 teams across the United States and Canada.
- Operates under a single-entity structure with a salary cap and designated-player rules to balance competition and talent acquisition.
📊 League Table
| # | Team | M | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | 10 | 8 | 4 | +13 | 38 | |
| 2 | 23 | 10 | 8 | 5 | +10 | 38 | |
| 3 | 23 | 10 | 8 | 5 | +6 | 38 | |
| 4 | 23 | 10 | 4 | 9 | +2 | 34 | |
| 5 | 23 | 10 | 4 | 9 | +2 | 34 | |
| 6 | 23 | 8 | 9 | 6 | +4 | 33 | |
| 7 | 23 | 8 | 9 | 6 | +4 | 33 | |
| 8 | 23 | 9 | 4 | 10 | -2 | 31 | |
| 9 | 23 | 8 | 6 | 9 | +1 | 30 | |
| 10 | 22 | 9 | 3 | 10 | -1 | 30 | |
| 11 | 23 | 7 | 9 | 7 | -5 | 30 | |
| 12 | 22 | 7 | 8 | 7 | +3 | 29 | |
| 13 | 23 | 8 | 5 | 10 | -2 | 29 | |
| 14 | 23 | 9 | 6 | 8 | +1 | 28 | |
| 15 | 22 | 7 | 5 | 10 | -17 | 26 | |
| 16 | 23 | 5 | 10 | 8 | -2 | 25 | |
| 17 | 23 | 7 | 3 | 13 | -4 | 24 | |
| 18 | 23 | 5 | 7 | 11 | -13 | 22 |
Champions / European Qualification
Relegation Zone
MLS
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the United States and Canada's top professional football league, a true first-division competition by North American standards. Since its launch in 1996, MLS has grown into a bold, attack-minded league that blends young homegrown talent with seasoned international stars. The league operates two conferences (East and West) with a regular-season schedule that runs from late February or early March through October, followed by an expansive playoff to crown the MLS Cup champion. The season also honors the Supporters’ Shield for the team with the best regular-season record. The competition uses a hard salary cap and a Designated Player (DP) rule that lets clubs sign marquee names outside the cap, creating star power and high-octane football. Key teams like LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders FC, Atlanta United, LAFC, New York City FC and Toronto FC push the tempo and draw large crowds, while expanding clubs across the country develop homegrown talent from academies and smart transfers. Notable players have included international stars who raised the league’s profile and helped grow the fanbase. Fans follow MLS for fast-paced matches, dramatic playoffs, intense rivalries, and the promise of rising stars and breakthrough performances week after week.
