TST 2026 - Tournament Preview

By Rylee McKinney

The Soccer Tournament (TST) is set to kick off tomorrow in Cary, North Carolina. Over the next six days, the tournament features 160 7v7 matches, with three $1 million prizes paid to the winners.

TST originated in 2022, with its inaugural tournament happening in June 2023. Since then, the tournament has exponentially grown, attracting the attention of celebrities and fans. 

Last year, TST 2025 had 64 teams in total with 134 matches. The prize was $1 million for the winners. On the men’s side, Bumpy Pitch FC secured a 2-1 win over Pumas de Alabama; on the women's side, the US Women dominated with a 3-0 win over Bumpy Pitch FC to claim their million-dollar prize. 

Past participants include legends Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd, as well as celebrities Pat McAfee and JJ Watt.

Heading into TST2026, TST CEO Jon Mugar noted that, “this year’s festival is going to be bigger and better than ever.”

And he is right! The three tournaments will feature 76 teams, over 2,000 athletes at WakeMed Soccer Park. Participating teams represent 15 countries and include clubs from eight professional leagues. 

Here’s a preview of what TST 2026 has in store:

Events

Previously, TST had only two tournaments: a men’s and a women’s. However, this year, TST has added a Mixed tournament, featuring teams with both men and women competing for a $1 million take-all prize. 

Additional events include the thrilling Keeper Wars–a high-stakes, one-on-one shootout tournament. This event is designed to match professionals and legends in a duel. 

Keepers must try to score on their opponent using throws, volleys, half-volleys, or direct ground kicks. Matches are usually two 3-minute periods, and the keeper with the most goals wins. 

Lastly, this year’s fixture includes a Soccer Home Run Derby where contestants have one minute to kick as many “home runs” over the fence as possible. 

The men’s competition includes Miguel Layn, Xisco Nadal, Stefan “Meat” Mijatovic, and Douglas Costa. For the women, Carli Lloyd, Hope Solo, Jessica McDonald, and Rosie Hughes will participate. 

Men’s Tournament

Teams

The Men’s tournament includes 48 teams total, organized into 12 groups. 

Returning teams include 2025 TST winners, Bumpy Pitch FC, Boca Dallas, and Drunken Monkeys. 

Some of the new teams include Charmour 410 and Kings League All-Stars.

This year’s tournament will also include Dreamville FC, a team backed by North Carolina native J. Cole. Dreamville’s roster enters the tournament with quality professional talent, including Asheville City SC player Mo Wong and former New York Red Bulls (MLS) player Jamie Thomas.

Additionally, Neymar’s Furia FC will also play in this year's tournament, bringing an elite Brazilian style of play to Cary. Notable names include Pro MMA fighter Gustavo Sousa and Inter Milan forward, Luis Henrique.

Major Players

Major names at the men’s tournament this year include former Barcelona keeper Pepe Reina; Brazilian midfielder Douglas Costa; six-time MLS Cup winner, Landon Donovan; Belgian midfielder Radja Nainggolan; and NFL cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. 

Women’s Tournament

Teams

On the women’s side of the tournament, there are a total of 16 teams competing for the title. 

Participating teams include former USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo’s Solo FC and NWSL side NC Courage. 

Last year’s winners, the US Women, are also returning to the pitch, as well as Liga MX side Club America. 

Major Players

Similar to last year, many former USWNT players are coming out of retirement for the festival. This includes 2019 World Cup Champion and 2x TST Champion Allie Long and 3x Olympic Gold Medalist Heather O’Reilly. 

Hope Solo, as mentioned earlier, is also making her return, leading her own squad, Solo FC. Included on her roster are Carolina Ascent (USL) player Vicky Bruce and highly decorated Colombian National Team and futsal player, Paula Botero.

Where to Watch: 

Tournament matches will be streamed for free on YouTube. See full match schedules here.