AC Milan legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic backs US soccer to grow ahead of 2026 World Cup

Ibrahimovic expressed his excitement on the growth of soccer in the U.S. as Milan embark on a pre-season tour of America. The striker, who is now a senior advisor to the American-owned Serie A club, asserted that the league is "growing every single day."

Ibrahimovic spoke extensively on the state of American soccer in a press conference: "When I left, you got another big store which is Messi, who everybody knows. I think he holds up the quality and the attention in the league. The purpose is to grow, and how fast it's growing, or how slow it does will make the difference. You have the World Cup coming in 2026, I think that will have a big impact. We just had Copa America now also here, which gives also an impact."

MLS reached record attendance and viewing numbers when Messi moved to Inter Miami just over a year ago. With a new expansion franchise due to arrive in San Diego next season, and fanbases around the league growing, there is certainly a buzz around the sport in the US ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

After retiring in 2023, the legendary striker has taken on an advisory role at Milan. He will play a key part in squad building and off-pitch matters as the Serie A club look to hunt down reigning title holders Inter this season.