William Gallas: MLS won’t ever grow into one of the best leagues in the world off the back of World Cup

Gallas Skeptical of MLS Expansion

Former France, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham defender William Gallas isn’t confident that MLS will ever grow into one of the best leagues in the world despite the US hosting the World Cup.

USA, Canada and Mexico are less than two weeks away from co-hosting the World Cup this summer, in what is set to be a spectacular occasion as the likes of Brazil, Argentina, Spain, France and England battle it out for glory.

Pressure on the Host Nation

There will be plenty of pressure on USMNT and Mauricio Pochettino this summer, and there is the hope that hosting the World Cup in their own backyard could boost MLS’ popularity and focus more eyes on soccer in the country.

The league has made some exciting signings in recent years, most notably Lionel Messi, with Antoine Griezmann also now joining the Argentine and the likes of Thomas Muller, and Son Heung-min.

Cultural Hurdles in American Sports

But despite the MLS seemingly growing in status, 2006 France World Cup runner-up Gallas doesn’t believe the league will develop too much off the back of this summer’s tournament, and won’t eclipse NFL, NBA and MLB.

Speaking on behalf of SveaCasino, Gallas argued: “Will the MLS grow to being one of the top leagues in the world? No, it will be hard. I think it’s going to be hard because don’t forget their main sports are NFL, basketball, and baseball. Those are the top sports in the US.

“If it isn’t the top sport in your own country, it’s hard to compete with the biggest leagues in the world. So even with the World Cup, some young boys or young girls might like to play for a club, but I don’t think it’s going to have the same impact. It’s not in their culture. That’s simple.

“What the American people want to see is NFL, baseball, basketball, that is in their culture. Soccer is something for them which can’t be compared to football around the world. The number one sport in the world.

“I think it would be very difficult in America for soccer to be number one, even if you have some big names. Lionel Messi is there, but I don’t think, even with him and other famous players, that soccer has a big impact.”

France’s Path to Glory

Gallas will be heavily rooting for France this summer, who arguably head into the tournament as favorites to lift the iconic trophy.

France have a very favorable group, opening their World Cup account against Senegal on Tuesday before taking on Iraq and Norway.