The Soccer Tournament Expands and Thrills at TST 2025

The Soccer Tournament returned to Cary, North Carolina in 2025 with a bigger field, louder crowds and, of course, the same eye-watering $1 million winner-takes-all prize that has made the 7v7 festival a summer essential. By the time the confetti settled, new champions were crowned, legends had rolled back the years and a strategic partnership promised to push the fast-paced format into an even brighter future.

The Soccer Tournament and U.S. Soccer Join Forces

The biggest off-field news arrived before the first kickoff. The Soccer Tournament and the United States Soccer Federation confirmed a multi-year collaboration aimed at boosting participation in small-sided competitions nationwide. Grass-roots clinics, coaching education and a data-sharing agreement headline the pact, which U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson called “a springboard for fans who crave a version of the game that is equal parts skill, speed and showmanship.” Organizers expect the deal to funnel thousands of youth players into regional 7v7 leagues while giving national-team scouts another talent pipeline.

Bumpy Pitch FC Grab the Men’s $1 Million Payday

A third different men’s champion in as many years illustrates how unpredictable The Soccer Tournament has become. Bumpy Pitch FC, a squad built around former MLS playmaker Sacha Kljestan and Colombian street-soccer wizard Jackson “Chakal” Rodriguez, edged out La Bombonera 3-2 in Target Score Time to walk away with the suitcase of cash. Kljestan, who retired from 11-a-side last winter, said the victory “felt like college again—short halves, quick subs, nonstop adrenaline.”

US Women Go Back-to-Back in Style

On the women’s side, the defending title-holders refused to relinquish their crown. Led by World Cup heroes Carli Lloyd and Heather O’Reilly plus NCAA phenom Ally Sentnor, the US Women toppled North Carolina Courage 4-1 and claimed their second straight seven-figure cheque. Lloyd, now juggling motherhood and punditry, credited the event for “helping me fall in love with competition all over again.”

Star Power Everywhere—From Pulisic Debates to Hollywood Cameos

The Soccer Tournament feeds on celebrity moments, and 2025 delivered a buffet.

• Jozy Altidore called the upcoming Gold Cup “a massive opportunity” for fringe USMNT players while discussing Christian Pulisic’s decision to skip the tournament.
• Goalkeeping legend Tony Meola, coaching Pat McAfee’s CONCAFA SC, shrugged off Pulisic’s absence: “Doesn’t bother me; the kid knows his body.”
• Harry Potter actor Hero Fiennes Tiffin suited up for West Ham’s entry, insisting it was “an honor and a workout I’ll never forget.”
• Borussia Dortmund cheekily parked a branded beer truck outside WakeMed Soccer Park, reigniting the football-versus-soccer naming debate one pint at a time.

Veterans and Newcomers Embrace the Format

Hope Solo ended a nine-year competitive hiatus, explaining that “the short field minimizes the rust.” Meanwhile, Ali Krieger captained a co-ed side of ex-pros and influencers, stressing that camaraderie mattered as much as cash. Even Wrexham’s traveling supporters, infamous for painting American stadiums red, earned comparisons to USWNT diehards.

Bracket Drama, Target Score Time and Miracle Goals

The Soccer Tournament’s unique rules again produced viral content. Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard not only scored from his own half but also shared owner Rob McElhenney’s congratulatory text—“Hollywood strikes again, mate!”—within minutes. Pat McAfee’s CONCAFA SC staged a three-goal comeback, then advanced on a last-second nutmeg that racked up five million views overnight.

Expansion Signals Rapid Growth

Demand to enter exploded in 2025, prompting organizers to double the women’s bracket from eight to sixteen teams and add a preliminary qualifying weekend for men’s hopefuls. Bournemouth’s Tyler Adams and minority owner Michael B. Jordan submitted an English top-flight roster, while Sergio Agüero and Luis Nani confirmed repeat appearances. Tournament CEO Jon Mugar hinted that 2026 could introduce a mixed-gender showcase and a senior legends division.

The Soccer Tournament’s Future Looks Even Brighter

The strategic tie-in with U.S. Soccer, higher broadcast ratings on ESPN+ and sold-out hospitality suites suggest that The Soccer Tournament is shedding its novelty label. Sponsors such as Adidas and Verizon renewed multi-year deals, and European clubs reportedly inquired about hosting satellite events. According to market analysts, the 7v7 property is now worth an estimated $150 million—small by global-football standards but massive for a competition barely three years old.

Why Fans Keep Coming Back

Speed, intimacy and suspense remain the recipe. With games played on a field half the size of a traditional pitch, spectators sit within touching distance, hearing every tactical tweak and celebratory shout. Target Score Time—first to reach the pre-set score wins—prevents dull endings, while the $1 million carrot ensures tackles stay fierce until the final touch.

Short Opinion

The Soccer Tournament has found the sweet spot between carnival and competition. By marrying entertainment with elite skill and now partnering with U.S. Soccer, the event feels less like a gimmick and more like a glimpse into football’s next frontier.