Garber reportedly believes MLS clubs must make a stronger impression in the Club World Cup. Qualifying is no longer enough; the league wants teams capable of competing consistently against established sides from Europe, South America and beyond.
That ambition raises familiar questions about player development, squad depth and the league’s competitive structure. MLS has built a compelling football ecosystem in North America, but its best teams still face a difficult task when the intensity and quality rise on the international stage.
“And we've got to get better,” Garber said, according to the report. It is a simple demand, but one that points to the next phase of the league’s evolution.
The potential arrival of Harry Kane would offer a different kind of progress. The England captain has reportedly spoken about playing in the United States later in his career, although no move is confirmed and his immediate future remains tied to elite European football.
Garber welcomed the idea, saying, “I'd love for him to do that.” He also framed Kane as evidence of what MLS hopes to become: a league that attracts world-class players because of its footballing appeal, not simply its market or lifestyle.
“We wanted to create something that would have the Harry Kanes of the world say, ‘I'd kind of like to play in MLS,’” Garber said.
The arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami expanded MLS’s global audience, while David Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy helped establish the league’s international credibility. Kane would add another major name, but stars alone cannot settle the league’s competitive debate.
The next test will come through MLS’s international performances and its ability to turn global attention into lasting sporting strength. For Garber, the road ahead is clear: bigger names matter, but better teams matter more.