Optimism Among Australian Players in MLS
Three Australian national football team members currently playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) are optimistic that the league’s improving caliber will enhance their prospects of participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Last week, Australia secured its place in the prestigious tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The squad featured MLS players Patrick Yazbek from Nashville SC, Kye Rowles from D.C. United, and Aiden O’Neill from New York City FC.
Positive Insights on MLS Quality
O’Neill, a former captain for Belgium’s Standard Liège who has started in both of the Socceroos’ recent victories, made his move to the MLS in April, transitioning from Belgium to the U.S. He remarked on the league’s quality, stating,
“I’ve been here for about a month now, and the standard has genuinely impressed me. The attacking talent is particularly noteworthy; a single mistake can lead to being heavily punished.”
Player Development and Recognition
Australia’s head coach, Tony Popovic, has previously highlighted MLS as a beneficial platform for player development. He recently fielded an all-MLS midfield pairing of Yazbek and O’Neill during a crucial 2-1 triumph over Saudi Arabia, which also marked Yazbek’s international debut. Yazbek commented on the growth of the league, asserting,
“MLS is enormous and on the rise; it’s not getting the recognition it truly deserves right now. I firmly believe it will emerge as one of the leading leagues globally in the coming years.”
Changing Perceptions of MLS
He cited a roster of world-class players, including famous names like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, along with talents such as Emil Forsberg and Wilfried Zaha, drawing attention to the league’s competitive nature. While MLS has been stereotyped as a retirement league, the experiences of Yazbek, O’Neill, and Rowles reflect a shift towards younger, primed talents entering the league. The average MLS player’s age is 27.2, comparable to Spain’s La Liga and falling between Japan’s J1 League and Germany’s Bundesliga.
Financial Growth in MLS
With recent high-profile player transfers such as Jhon Durán and Thiago Almada fetching substantial fees, the financial landscape of the league has evolved as well, especially with the introduction of cash transfers among teams that started in 2025. Yazbek dismissed outdated perceptions of MLS, saying,
“It’s not just a retirement league anymore; the young talent coming through is incredible, and many players are earning moves to bigger clubs after showcasing their skills here. The resources and facilities are top-notch, which makes this league highly competitive.”
Focus on World Cup Preparation
With Australia qualifying for the World Cup a year in advance, the focus for these players now shifts towards solidifying their positions on the final roster. Rowles emphasized the physical demands of playing in MLS:
“From an outside perspective, some people might think it’s easy, but every week is challenging. Teams feature strongly skilled players, and meeting this competition requires maximizing your potential. Hosting the World Cup will only enhance the league’s appeal, prompting more investment and opportunity.”
