'Spotlight alternative formats' - U.S. Soccer, TST announce strategic partnership to further participation in the 7v7 competition, increase fan engagement

The U.S. Soccer Federation and The Soccer Tournament (TST) announced a strategic partnership, aimed at furthering the growth of the 7v7 competition and enhancing opportunities for fan engagement and increased participation.

The collaboration is intended to foster the growth of TST and expand the competition to a wider range of, and the next generation of, soccer fans.

“This new partnership reflects that we recognize new formats of soccer help to grow interest and participation in the game,” said U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson. “We’re excited to work with TST and support new soccer competitions - staying true to our mission of working in service to soccer.”

TST, the 7v7 competition that has been held in Cary, North Carolina, for the past three years, has brought clubs from all around the world to compete for the $1M prize available to the winning men's and women's teams.

For the past two years, the US Women, a team comprised of former U.S. internationals led by USWNT legend Heather O'Reilly, has won the women's division.

“TST is proud to partner with U.S. Soccer to grow our event and the broader game even further in support of expanding the soccer ecosystem,” said TST CEO Jon Mugar. “There is extraordinary demand from both fans and participants eager to experience our festival. This partnership will help us meet that demand and continue building a high-profile pathway that showcases young talent, brings star players back into meaningful competition, and excites new fans.”

In 2025, TST included 134 matches, 64 teams, and more than 50,000 fans attending the showcase event, with global soccer talent such as Luis Nani and Sergio Aguero participating alongside clubs such as Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and AFC Wrexham.

In a statement, U.S. Soccer added that the partnership will utilize the "full breadth" of the organization to enhance the competition.

"This unique partnership is focused on leveraging the full breadth of U.S. Soccer’s capabilities - from technical expertise and player and team relationships to strategic insights and meaningful partnerships - to expand the event’s reach and relevance. It also aims to spotlight alternative soccer formats that promote lifelong participation and fandom, ensuring more people fall in love with the game, stay connected to it for the long term, and ultimately help fuel growth at every level of the sport."

TST will be preparing for the 2026 edition, which notably comes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also be hosted in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Schedules and dates for the 2026 competition have yet to be announced.