Ryan Reynolds' Wrexham, Luis Nani and Sergio Aguero return to TST 2025, USWNT legend Carli Lloyd enters women's competition worth $1M

The Soccer Tournament (TST) returns in 2025 with a bang, with familiar faces competing for a $1M prize available in both the men's and women's divisions. The likes of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's AFC Wrexham, Luis Nani, Sergio Aguero, Hashtag United, La Liga side Villareal, and german Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund will all return this summer in Cary, North Carolina to compete.

TST’s defending men's champion La Bombonera will also return to defend their crown, in addition to 2023 champion Newtown Pride.

On the women's side, the reigning champions US Women will return, led by USWNT legends Heather O'Reilly, Ali Krieger and Carli Lloyd - the latter of whom will turn from assistant coach to player in 2025. It will be the first time the three World Cup champions will have played competitively on the pitch together since 2016.

“I had such a great time last year being part of the US Women coaching staff,” Lloyd said. “This year, it's time to lace up my boots and reunite with some of my former teammates – Heather O'Reilly and Ali Krieger – and help the US Women win back-to-back TST titles."

Other returning teams for TST 2025’s women’s bracket include NWSL clubs NC Courage and Angel City FC, as well as Wrexham's women's team. TST announced Tuesday that the women's field will be expanding to 16 teams, doubling in size from 2024.

On the men's side, more teams are set to be announced in the coming weeks as the 48-team field begins to fill.

“We are astounded by the number of people who want to play in this event,” said TST CEO Jon Mugar. “We set out to establish TST as not only a world class tournament, but also Coachella for soccer. Fans and players love this event and travel to Cary from all around the world. And with our electrifying rules, this year’s event will feature 134 game-winning goals over six days.”

TST 2024 included NFL legends JJ Watt, Chad Ochocinco and Pat McAfee as competitors. WWE legend Claudio 'Cesaro' Castagnoli also competed, with the 6-5 former wrestler standing out among teammates.

TST 2025 returns at WakeMed Soccer Park in June. Men's group play begins June 4-5, and women's group play starts June 5-6. The Men’s knockout Round of 32 and Round of 16 matches will both take place on June 6, while quarterfinal and semifinal matches for both events will be played June 7-8.

Both the men's and women's tournaments will conclude on June 9, with a $1M prize in each respective bracket awarded to the competition champions. Select returning teams will be announced on Jan. 29.