MLS NEXT Pro news

Massive investment for MLS NEXT Pro will help reach lofty ambitions

MLS NEXT Pro was once just a place for talent to develop - and now it aims to be so much more

Fire II: Ted Lasso's Fernandez trained with team earlier this month

Cristo Fernandez, who played Dani Rojas in the beloved Apple TV series Ted Lasso, trained with MLS's Chicago Fire last month, the club confirmed Wednesday. GOAL reported the Mexican-born actor was on trial with USL Championship side El Paso Locomotive earlier this week, and could yet receive a contract. Fernandez played academy soccer in Mexico as a teenager.

MLS NEXT Pro unveils 2026 schedule with expansion to 30 clubs

MLS NEXT Pro officially announced its 2026 regular season schedule, marking the league’s earliest start to date and the expansion to 30 teams with the addition of Connecticut United FC. The season will feature 420 matches, run through the FIFA World Cup, and include key milestones such as a Decision Day, new venues, and increased pathways to MLS first teams.

U.S. legend Bradley leads NYRB II to MLS NEXT Pro Cup victory

Former USMNT star Michael Bradley earned his first coaching title as New York Red Bulls II captured the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Cup. His side erased a two-goal deficit to beat Colorado Rapids 2 on penalties after a 3-3 draw. A record crowd of 9,095 at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, N.J., watched the Eastern Conference champs claim the league’s fourth title.

North Texas SC's Sarver named 2025 MLS NEXT Pro MVP

MLS NEXT Pro announced North Texas SC forward Sam Sarver has been named the 2025 MVP after a breakout campaign that saw the 22-year-old captain rewrite his club’s scoring history and finish near the top of the league’s charts. Sarver’s award caps a season in which he finished as the runner-up in the Golden Boot race and earned a spot on the league’s Best XI.

MLS names Altchek EVP, Curtis president of MLS NEXT Pro

MLS announced Charles Altchek has been named as Executive Vice President of Club Performance and League Growth while Ali Curtis takes over as President of MLS NEXT Pro and Executive Vice President of MLS Sporting Development. Altchek will work directly with team owners and executives to drive business growth, while Curtis takes control of MLS's developmental league.

Robles addresses changes in MLS NEXT as U.S. eyes 2026 success

GOAL Convo: Robles on MLS NEXT rule changes, including three-period games, meant to American soccer forward

MLS Next Pro's penalty rules are changing youth soccer

League rules stipulate that every draw goes straight to penalty kicks, a rule that has had a major impact in MLS Next Pro and beyond

MLS academies walk tightrope between development, winning

MLS academies face a constant battle between winning and ensuring that their players develop in the right way

Scouting Forfor: The aspiring USMNT fullback in Crew's ranks

GOAL spoke with Forfor about his aspirations as a footballer, and his quick rise through the academy in 2025 into MLS NEXT Pro

East defeats West 4-3 in thrilling MLS NEXT All-Star Game

A second half that included five combined goals summed up a riveting MLS Next match to kick off All-Star week

Ellis named MLS NEXT U19 MVP after stellar Orlando City SC season

MLS NEXT has announced the winners of its annual MVP and Goal of the Year awards for the 2024-25 regular season, with Ellis winning the U19 MVP honor

Sullivan shares insights ahead of MLS NEXT All-Star Game

The rising star took to social media to offer advice to the 44 young talents selected for the All-Star Game

WATCH: 15-year-old Cavan Sullivan scores brace for Union II

Sullivan scored an emphatic brace and bagged his strike in the ensuing shootout as Union II claimed two points

Bradley finds perfect fit in Klopp's Red Bull coaching pipeline

With help from Klopp and Jesse Marsch, the long-time USMNT midfielder is developing into the coach he always wanted to be

Caraballo headlines rising talent at 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game

MLS has revealed the complete rosters and event details for the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game presented by Allstate on Tuesday

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Bradley: Klopp, Red Bull system inspired RBNY II move

Bradley was introduced in the new role, and shared why he decided to go back to the club that launched his career

WATCH: Quakes' López scores spectacular half-line goal in NEXT Pro

The Quakes designated player made a memorable impact in his rehabilitation appearance as he scored an incredible goal from his own half

Taka: MLS NEXT looks to 'shift the paradigm' at U13, U14 levels

GOAL sat down with MLS NEXT technical director Luis Robles to discuss the significance of Taka and how it's being implemented

FC Harlem brings in Toulouse FC star McKenzie as Club Ambassador

FC Harlem have announced the addition of the USMNT center back as an official club ambassador, strengthening their connection to professional soccer

Galaxy U16s stun Eindhoven in Generation Adidas Cup thriller

The MLS side’s academy team produced a memorable performance in the semifinals of the 2025 Generation Adidas Cup

St Louis City U16 beat Bayern Munich in Generation Adidas Cup

The MLS side’s U16 side beat FC Bayern Munich's youth side in a thrilling penalty shootout

MLS NEXT unveils 'Quality of Play Rankings' for U13, U14 levels

MLS NEXT made the groundbreaking announcement on Wednesday, as they look to promote development at the youth levels

WATCH: NYCFC throwback to exquisite Shore goal in NEXT Pro

The New York City FC's starlet has continued to impress since his transition to the first team

Eldin Jakupovic is mentoring the next generation in MLS Next Pro

The 40-year-old shot stopper, who has featured for clubs in England, Greece, Switzerland and Russia, has found an unlikely home in the United States

WATCH: Sullivan scores, continues MLS Next Pro dominance

The Philadelphia Union II rising young player was at it again as the Union drew 2-2 to Huntsville City FC in the MLS Next Pro

WATCH: Sullivan opens 2025 account with stunning free kick

The Philadelphia Union II star kicked off his 2025 campaign in style with spectacular goal in their home opener

WATCH: Outrageous bicycle kick for Minnesota academy's Giel

Young talent showcases world-class skill with acrobatic goal against Houston Dynamo academy

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Tacoma Defiance's Omar Hassan pulls off an audacious chip

The young midfielder signed with Seattle Sounders’ developmental side in January and has already impressed with his performances

Frequently asked questions

: Columbus Crew, Cruz Azul, Leon, and Inter Miami are the most successful sides in the Leagues Cup, having won one title each.
: As of 2024, there are 45 teams in the Leagues Cup, from both the MLS and the Liga MX. They are divided into 15 groups of three teams each. The inaugural edition in 2019, in contrast, featured just 16 teams.
: Andre Blake, Jack Elliott, Jacob Glesnes, Kai Wagner, and Mikael Uhre – all of them players of Philadelphia Union – share the record for most appearances in Leagues Cup, making 14 appearances each.
: Gabonese forward Denis Bouanga is the all-time topscorer in Leagues Cup history, scoring 12 goals in 10 games for Los Angeles FC. Lionel Messi is close in second place with 10 goals.
: Tijuana goalkeeper Jesus Corona is the oldest player to ever feature in a Leagues Cup game. Corona was 43 years and 191 days old when he played against Vancouver Whitecaps in August 2024.
: Axel Kei is the youngest player to feature in Leagues Cup. Kei was just 14 years and 267 days when he achieved the feat during Real Salt Lake City's 2-1 loss against Atlas Guadalajara in 2022.
: Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Andre-Pierre Gignac, and Hector Herrera are among the most famous players to have featured in the Leagues Cup.
: Caleb Porter, Tata Martino, Phil Neville, Martin Demichelis, and Fernando Gago are among the most famous managers in Leagues Cup history.

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