The 2026-27 MLS NEXT season is set to commence this weekend, marking the seventh year of this youth development platform that aims to nurture the next generation of soccer talent in North America. Since its inception in 2020, MLS NEXT has established itself as a vital component of the soccer ecosystem, uniting top clubs, coaches, and young players under a comprehensive development framework.
This upcoming campaign is particularly noteworthy as it will be the second consecutive season featuring two distinct competition tiers: the MLS NEXT Allstate Homegrown Division and the MLS NEXT Academy Division. This structure enhances the competitive landscape, providing more opportunities for elite players and clubs throughout North America to thrive.
Ali Curtis, President of MLS NEXT Pro and Executive Vice President of MLS Sporting Development, expressed pride in the league's accomplishments, stating, "MLS NEXT continues to set the standard for youth player development in North America. We’re incredibly proud of the league we’ve built, and we remain committed to supporting young players with the opportunity to grow, compete and take meaningful steps forward in their journey." This commitment is reflected in the program's success in transitioning players to higher levels of competition.
The impact of MLS NEXT is evident as its alumni continue to excel on both collegiate and professional stages. This season, 1,661 players who previously participated in MLS NEXT will compete at the collegiate level. Furthermore, 162 alumni are currently on MLS rosters, and 30 homegrown players have made their MLS debuts. Since the introduction of the homegrown player rule in 2008, a total of 483 homegrown players have participated in at least one regular season game in MLS, with total minutes played by these players increasing by 82% since 2024.
MLS NEXT's influence also extends to the national team landscape. At the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, five alumni from MLS NEXT will represent five different nations. In 2025, a remarkable 95% of all U.S. youth national team call-ups had spent time in MLS NEXT, with over 250 current or former players earning selections to U.S. youth national teams this year. Globally, approximately 450 MLS NEXT players from 28 countries have been called up to youth national teams.
For the 2026-27 season, MLS NEXT is expanding the number of teams participating in three of its five marquee events, thereby increasing visibility for aspiring players. The MLS NEXT FEST, scheduled for December 2-13, 2026, will be the largest youth soccer scouting event in North America, featuring over 1,600 teams from at least 300 clubs across all six age groups from U13 to U19. This event will allow hundreds of scouts to evaluate approximately 32,000 players across 2,400 matches.
Another significant event is the Generation adidas Cup, taking place from March 25 to April 2, 2027. This prestigious tournament will see MLS academies face off against top international clubs at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Notably, the U16 age group will expand from 40 to 48 teams, ensuring that each group includes an international club, thus providing more opportunities for young talents to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The season will culminate with the MLS NEXT Cup presented by Allstate from June 5-13, 2027, where the best youth teams from the U.S. and Canada will compete for the championship. This year, the Homegrown Division will grow from 32 to 48 teams in the U15 through U19 age groups, further expanding the competitive opportunities for clubs and players.
In collaboration with Taka, a youth soccer performance-analysis platform, MLS NEXT has developed Quality of Play rankings for the U13 and U14 age groups, which will provide clubs with premium access to performance insights and individual match highlights. This initiative aims to identify high-potential players earlier and create tailored development pathways.
With a structured, year-round approach to talent identification, MLS NEXT is poised to connect players with clubs, academies, and national team scouts more effectively than ever. As the league enters its seventh season, the focus remains on expanding opportunities and visibility for young athletes, ensuring that the future stars of soccer are well-prepared for the challenges ahead.
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