INSIDE THE GAME:Tanner White Provides MLIS/WMLIS Update; U.S. Soccer’s Global Influence and Upcoming Friendlies in Focus
- Jonathan Turner
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
The latest episode on National Soccer Network featured Tanner White delivering a comprehensive update on MLIS and WMLIS, while also diving into a broader conversation about FIFA’s relationship with the United States and previewing the U.S. Men’s National Team’s upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium.
MLIS/WMLIS Growth Continues
White outlined key developments within MLIS and WMLIS, highlighting league expansion efforts, operational progress, and the continued push to establish a strong competitive and commercial foundation. As both leagues look to solidify their footprint, leadership remains focused on stability, structured growth, and long-term sustainability.
The update emphasized the importance of market positioning, club infrastructure, and consistent competition standards as the leagues move forward. With increased interest at multiple levels of the game, MLIS and WMLIS appear committed to building a product that can attract players, fans, and commercial partners alike.
Does FIFA Need the United States More?
The discussion then shifted to a bigger-picture debate: Does FIFA need the United States more than the United States needs FIFA?
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted in North America, the commercial and cultural importance of the U.S. market has never been clearer. The United States represents one of the largest media markets in the world, a rapidly growing soccer audience, and significant sponsorship potential.
From broadcasting revenue to corporate partnerships, FIFA benefits enormously from a strong American presence. At the same time, U.S. Soccer continues to grow domestically, with Major League Soccer expanding, youth participation rising, and American players gaining more influence abroad.
While FIFA remains the governing body of the global game, the conversation reflects a shifting dynamic. The United States is no longer a secondary market in world football. It is a central player in the sport’s global business strategy.
Will Portugal and Belgium Take the U.S. Seriously?
Attention also turns to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s upcoming friendlies against Portugal and Belgium. The key question: How seriously will these European powers approach the matches?
International friendlies often serve multiple purposes. For some teams, they are opportunities to experiment with lineups and evaluate depth. For others, especially in competitive cycles leading up to major tournaments, they are treated as dress rehearsals.
Portugal and Belgium both possess elite-level talent and established international pedigrees. Whether they field full-strength squads or rotate heavily, the matches present a valuable measuring stick for the United States.
For the U.S., these games represent more than exhibitions. They are opportunities to test tactical discipline, depth, and composure against top-tier competition. Regardless of the opponent’s approach, the expectation internally will be to compete at a high level and continue building momentum ahead of future competitions.
As the global spotlight on American soccer intensifies, every international window carries added significance. With league developments at home and major friendlies abroad, the conversation around U.S. Soccer continues to evolve — and the world is paying attention.
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