The 2026 World Cup is over, but the onslaught of soccer relentlessly rolls on. On Friday, the Scottish Premiership kicks off its 2026-27 season. The following Friday, the Dutch Eredivisie begins anew, and England's Carabao Cup sets off on its journey. Various European club competitions have already begun qualifying rounds, starting on 7 July for the Champions and Conference Leagues. Liga MX is two rounds into its Apertura season; Major League Soccer resumed its regular season on 16 July. It has been only a week since the World Cup ended.
No Off-Season for Soccer
The sense of relentlessness that soccer impels is never more obvious than after its signature event. There is no off-season, no respite. One season bleeds into the next between postseasons, preseasons, and the transfer market. Soccer is a permanent condition.
The World Cup derives its power from being a rare global monoculture. Its absence for 47 months out of 48 allows anticipation to build. Yet forces within the sport push for more soccer: this World Cup grew by 50% to 48 teams, and FIFA has considered a biennial tournament with 64 teams. The only idea in the sport's executive class is more soccer.
Scarcity vs. Oversaturation
Unlike American sports, where the NFL retains its status because its product is scarce, soccer's supply seems to enormously exceed demand. Outside the World Cup, pro soccer can feel like a Facebook feed filled with AI slop—amorphous and easy to scroll past. There is never a breather, never anticipation.
Anecdotally, others may feel this too. On Saturday, Liverpool and Sunderland didn't come close to filling an MLS stadium in Nashville for their preseason friendly. Wrexham and Leeds United drew a sparse crowd to Tampa.
Always More Soccer
This onslaught has always existed in terms of domestic competitions, but they weren't so readily available across borders. Growing up in Belgium, access was limited; now in New York, there seems no limit to games from anywhere. This can make the sport feel utterly overwhelming—a tsunami of content. Another season has already started as we still process the last one. Thoughts aren't fully formed on the World Cup yet. We need a break, yet there is always more soccer.
