MLS is Back with a Giant Soccer Party: "Thanks World, We’ll Take It From Here" (Super Simple Explainer)

When Does Soccer Come Back?

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the big group of professional soccer teams in the United States and Canada. Here’s the easy version of what’s happening:

• MLS games return on July 16 and 17.
• You can watch every match on Apple TV (a place on the internet where you stream shows and games).
• Some games will also be shown on FOX (a regular TV channel) and Bell networks (TV/streaming services in Canada).

Important: All matches are on Apple TV, but select ones are also on FOX and Bell networks.

The Big Plan to Welcome Fans

On July 13, 2026, in New York, MLS launched the biggest advertising push in its history. They called it “Thanks World, We’ll Take It From Here.”

• The world is busy watching the FIFA World Cup (a huge soccer tournament where countries compete). MLS says: “Thanks for loving soccer, now come watch our games!”
• The plan takes the excitement from that big tournament and brings it to MLS’s weekly games, local team rivalries (nearby teams playing each other), and live stadium fun.
• This campaign uses TV, streaming, websites, social media, outside signs (like billboards), and more. It is the largest ever for MLS.
• 15 teams made their own local versions of the campaign for their cities. All 30 teams have fan parties and watch events.

Free Tickets and Special Treats for New Fans

When games start again, all 30 teams will have special offers to welcome new fans.

• 22 teams offer “First Match On Us” – that means they give free tickets to people who have never been to an MLS game before.
• This helps make sure everyone can afford to come and feel welcome.

Important: 22 of the 30 clubs will give complimentary (free) tickets to first-time attendees through “First Match On Us.”

Famous Faces in the Campaign

The campaign shows many famous people: team owners (the bosses) and star players.

Team Owners (the bosses)

• David Beckham – owns Inter Miami CF
• Matthew McConaughey (a movie actor) – owns Austin FC
• Earvin “Magic” Johnson (basketball legend) – owns Los Angeles Football Club
• Kevin Durant (basketball star) – owns Philadelphia Union

Star Players (the athletes)

Here is the full list with their teams and home countries:

• Lionel Messi – Inter Miami CF (Argentina)
• Adri Mehmeti – Red Bull New York (United States/Albania)
• Antoine Griezmann – Orlando City (France)
• Brandon Vázquez – Austin FC (United States)
• Cade Cowell – Red Bull New York (United States)
• Cavan Sullivan – Philadelphia Union (United States)
• Cristian Roldan – Seattle Sounders FC (United States)
• Dayne St. Clair – Inter Miami CF (Canada)
• Dejan Joveljić – Sporting Kansas City (Serbia)
• Diego Luna – Real Salt Lake (United States)
• Evander – FC Cincinnati (Brazil)
• Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC (Germany)
• Jack McGlynn – Houston Dynamo FC (United States)
• Julian Hall – Red Bull New York (United States/Poland)
• Kristoffer Velde – Portland Timbers (Norway)
• Marcel Hartel – St. Louis CITY SC (Germany)
• Matt Freese – New York City Football Club (United States)
• Matt Turner – New England Revolution (United States)
• Max Arfsten – Columbus Crew (United States)
• Michael Boxall – Minnesota United FC (New Zealand)
• Miguel Almirón – Atlanta United (Paraguay)
• Patrick Yazbek – Nashville SC (Australia)
• Paxten Aaronson – Colorado Rapids (United States)
• Petar Musa – FC Dallas (Croatia)
• Philip Zinckernagel – Chicago Fire FC (Denmark)
• Prince Owusu – CF Montréal (Ghana)
• Richie Laryea – Toronto FC (Canada)
• Sebastian Berhalter – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (United States)
• Son Heung-Min – Los Angeles Football Club (South Korea)
• Tai Baribo – D.C. United (Israel)
• Tim Ream – Charlotte FC (United States)
• Timo Werner – San Jose Earthquakes (Germany)
• Timothy Tillman – Los Angeles Football Club (United States)
• Yannick Bright – Inter Miami CF (Italy)

Important: The campaign especially highlights Lionel Messi, Son Heung-Min, David Beckham, Matthew McConaughey, Magic Johnson, and Kevin Durant as big stars inviting fans to make MLS their next stop.

A Cool New Song Just for MLS

The campaign goes beyond soccer into music and culture.

• There is a new cover (a fresh redo) of the song “Can I Kick It?” by a group called A Tribe Called Quest.
• It is an Amazon Music Original (made just for Amazon’s music service).
• It was produced by famous beat-maker DJ Premier and sung by rising artist Samara Cyn with new vocals and lyrics.
• The track is fast and modern, matching the energy of MLS today.
• You can listen only on Amazon Music right now: Stream it here

Where Will You See This Campaign?

• It first appears during FOX’s TV coverage of the World Cup semifinal and final matches.
• Then it spreads to Apple TV and many other places: regular TV (called linear), streaming, websites, social media, outside signs, and inside stadiums.
• MLS also works with FOX to give local news in many US communities through FOX-owned and partner stations.

What a League Boss Said

Camilo Durana, a top business leader at MLS, said something like this in simple terms:

“Right now is a special time for soccer in North America. MLS is turning the world’s excitement into lasting fun and friendship. As the World Cup inspires new fans, our teams and communities are ready to welcome them when the season resumes and their soccer journey continues with MLS.”

How Was This Made?

• The 2026 campaign was created by Ogilvy, MLS’s advertising helper.
• The song was made together with Cornerstone and The FADER (music companies).

How to Join the Fun (Easy Steps)

1. Watch the FIFA World Cup on FOX (especially semifinal/final) and look for the MLS ads.
2. Stream the new song on Amazon Music using this link.
3. If you’re new to MLS, visit your local club’s website to see if they offer “First Match On Us” free tickets (22 clubs do!).
4. On July 16 or 17, watch MLS games on Apple TV (or FOX/Bell for selected matches).
5. Keep enjoying local MLS events, music, and community celebrations.

Summary

Let’s recap the big points:

• MLS returns July 16–17 with all games on Apple TV and some on FOX/Bell.
• The league launched its largest ever campaign, “Thanks World, We’ll Take It From Here,” to invite World Cup fans to keep watching soccer.
• 22 clubs give free first-match tickets; all 30 clubs have special welcomes and local events.
• Famous owners and players (including Messi, Son, Beckham, and others) appear in the campaign.
• A new song by DJ Premier & Samara Cyn is exclusive to Amazon Music.
• The campaign appears everywhere: TV, streaming, social, billboards, stadiums, and more.

FAQ

1. What is MLS?
MLS means Major League Soccer, a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada.

2. How can I watch the games after the break?
Every match is on Apple TV, and some are also on FOX and Bell networks.

3. How do I get a free ticket?
22 MLS clubs offer “First Match On Us” free tickets for first-time attendees. Check your local club’s site for details.

4. Where can I listen to the campaign song?
Only on Amazon Music, through this link: Amazon Music.

5. Why is MLS doing this huge campaign?
Because the FIFA World Cup is making many people love soccer, and MLS wants those new fans to keep enjoying the sport by coming to their local clubs and games.