MLS looks to spread presence in lower divisions ahead of 2026 WC

Currently MLS's reserve teams play in MLS Next Pro, which began two years ago and operates at the third tier of the game in the United States. But MLS plans to turn some of those second teams into new-look clubs based away from their parent club's home.

Charles Altchek, president of MLS Next Pro, told 'AFP' in an interview that MLS wants to be in a position to fully capitalize on the impact of the World Cup being hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico. "Looking ahead to the World Cup in 2026 we want to be in as many markets as we can be that want professional soccer," he said.

MLS's Nashville SC is the first club to have made the switch, taking their reserve side to Huntsville in Alabama where they played this past season as Huntsville City. "It's been incredibly successful," said Altchek. "We thought it would work, but it's overachieved from every perspective. The team has developed a really important connection with the fans there.

"The local community has really come out to support the club, and it's only going to get better and better as the years progress," he added. Altchek said that the switch has provided proof of concept to other clubs who could now follow suit.

"We now have our first working and real example of one of these relationships functioning in a way that's sustainable and productive and helping us achieve our goals collectively and the city, they've got what they want, a really dynamic professional soccer team," he added. While clubs have the choice of continuing with standard reserve teams, they are being encouraged by the league to look into how they could transform.

"We think it's really important to explore what opportunities there are to have the team playing in a different place and activate a new fan