Soccer Quiz Challenges Fans to Name All 30 MLS Clubs

With growing star power and a 30-team league, how quickly can you identify every Major League Soccer franchise?

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:50am

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A fragmented, geometric painting featuring overlapping shapes and planes in the official colors of the 30 MLS teams, conceptually representing the multifaceted nature of the league.A cubist interpretation of the dynamic action and diverse teams that make up the ever-expanding world of Major League Soccer.Los Angeles Today

Major League Soccer (MLS) has grown from 10 initial teams in the 1990s to a 30-club league today, attracting global superstars like Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, and Antoine Griezmann. Sports Illustrated challenged fans to a quiz testing their knowledge of all 30 MLS clubs, split evenly between the Eastern and Western Conferences.

Why it matters

The rapid expansion and rising profile of MLS reflects the growing popularity of soccer in the United States and Canada. As the league attracts more high-profile players, it signals a new era of increased interest and investment in the sport at the professional level across North America.

The details

MLS was first conceptualized in 1993 as part of the U.S. bid to host the 1994 World Cup, officially launching three years later with 10 inaugural teams. Over the past three decades, the league has steadily grown to 30 clubs, with the latest expansion teams joining in recent years. The influx of global superstars like Messi, Son, and the upcoming arrival of Griezmann has further elevated MLS's profile and prestige.

  • MLS was first conceptualized in 1993 as part of the U.S. bid to host the 1994 World Cup.
  • The league officially launched in 1996 with 10 inaugural teams.
  • Lionel Messi joined an MLS club in 2026.
  • Son Heung-min currently plays in MLS.
  • Antoine Griezmann is set to join an MLS club in the summer of 2026.

The players

Lionel Messi

Argentinian soccer superstar who currently plays in MLS.

Son Heung-min

South Korean soccer player who currently plays in MLS.

Antoine Griezmann

French soccer player set to join an MLS club in the summer of 2026.

Zlatan Ibrahimović

Swedish soccer player who previously played in MLS.

David Beckham

English soccer player who previously played in MLS and is now involved in the ownership group of an MLS Cup winner.

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The takeaway

The rapid growth and rising star power of MLS reflects the surging popularity of soccer across North America, with the league attracting global superstars and building a loyal fan base. As the sport continues to gain traction, MLS is poised to become an even more prominent force in the world of professional sports.