RCS: This is arguably the best U.S. squad to ever play in a World Cup. What would you consider a satisfactory result for the Americans?

Wahl: I'd say satisfactory would be getting second in group and making it to the second round, that would not be considered a failure. If they get beyond the second round, that would be viewed as a big success.

RCS: There are only four players on the U.S. squad who are currently in the MLS. What does that say about the U.S. team and the MLS?

Wahl: I think that's indicative of a few realities, some very good for the U.S. A lot of the U.S. players currently playing overseas started their careers in the MLS, and got good enough and went to Europe or Mexico to play at a higher level. The MLS has developed a lot of good young American players, but at the same time, if you're the commissioner, you would want to have more American star power and not continue to be a feeder league for richer European leagues. The MLS's stated goal is that it wants to compete with the best leagues in the world, but they're not anywhere near that right now.

RCS: So what is Grant Wahl's view of soccer's future in America? Is it ever going to be big enough to join the Big Four?

Wahl: I'll try to be honest, I have no idea where it's going in America, I've followed the sport for a long time now ... the quality is improving, but I don't know if it's ever going to be like the NBA and attract a bunch of fans. I feel like the MLS is doing some good things, in terms of infrastructure, building stadiums, and is stable enough so it's not going to fold. But they need to take the next step to close the gap with the European leagues, especially now that we can see 60-70 (European) games a week on TV, we can tell difference in quality. The MLS needs to close that gap.

RCS Interviews Grant Wahl