American coach Jesse Marsch insists MLS introducing relegation is 'inevitable' to bring U.S. soccer up to 'the standard everywhere in the rest of the world'

MLS is currently made up of 29 teams - 15 in the Eastern Conference and 14 in the Western Conference. Unlike the majority of leagues around the world, however, it doesn't have a promotion/relegation system. Now, ex-Leeds United boss Marsch feels it is only a matter of time before that changes to help MLS grow.

He told CBS Sports Golazo: "The game has come so far but at some point there will be pressure to move to promotion/relegation. Trying to protect assets and what's happening with the lower leagues... at some point it's going to become inevitable. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it works. I'm a little surprised when FIFA gave us the (2026) World Cup [that they] didn't mandate along with that promotion/relegation. That's just the standard everywhere in the world."

It is undeniable that the sport is growing in popularity and in stature but it is still a long way behind the biggest divisions in Europe. Lionel Messi's arrival at Inter Miami has done wonders as well but Marsch's point is that to take the league - and perhaps U.S. soccer - to the next step, promotion/relegation will be needed.

U.S soccer will very much be under the spotlight when the country co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico. In the meantime, the 2024 MLS season is well underway.