The Soccer Tournament Returns to Cary May 27 with Global Matchups, National Broadcast, and Three $1 Million Championships

• TST returns to WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary with 76 teams, more than 2,000 athletes, and 159 matches across six days.
• High-profile matchups and global clubs headline group play, including Wrexham AFC, Club América, and Cary's own North Carolina Courage.
• Fans can experience the action in person or tune in nationally on NBC on May 30 as Landon Donovan's Sneaky FC faces Hope Solo's Solo FC at 2 p.m. ET.

Cary, N.C. - The Soccer Tournament (TST) returns to Cary May 27-June 1, bringing the world's top 7v7 soccer talent to WakeMed Soccer Park for six days of competition, celebrity matchups, and unforgettable moments. Now in its fourth year, TST will bring 76 teams, more than 2,000 athletes, and 159 matches to one of the country's premier soccer venues. Cary residents won't have to go far to catch world-class competition, celebrity matchups, and six days of electric atmosphere.

The 2026 event features three simultaneous winner-take-all tournaments - men's, women's, and the newly introduced mixed competition - each carrying a $1 million prize.

"It's pretty special to see this kind of soccer excitement coming back to Cary," said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. "With the World Cup on the horizon, TST gives fans from Cary, across North Carolina, and beyond a chance to experience world-class soccer right here at WakeMed Soccer Park. We're proud to welcome the players, families, and visitors who will make Cary feel like the center of the soccer world for six days."

Teams representing 15 countries and eight professional leagues from four continents will compete, including EFL Championship's Wrexham AFC, LaLiga's Villarreal CF, Liga MX's Club América, and NWSL's North Carolina Courage, based in Cary.

"This year's festival is going to be bigger and better than ever," said TST CEO Jon Mugar. "We have over 2,000 athletes flying in from all over the world, three million-dollar goals on the line, and food vendors from across the country."

Men's Tournament

The 48-team men's field features global clubs and celebrity-backed teams, including Gerard Piqué's Kings League All-Stars, Sergio Agüero's KRÜ FC, and Dreamville FC, organized by Dreamville Records, the label founded by rapper J. Cole. Highlights include Villarreal CF vs. Club América (May 28, 5 p.m. ET) and Kings League All-Stars vs. KRÜ FC (May 27, 6:45 p.m. ET). For the full schedule, visit tst7v7.com.

Women's Tournament

The women's field doubles in size to 16 teams in 2026. Two-time defending champions US Women return with World Cup veterans Heather O'Reilly, Jessica McDonald, and Allie Long, joined by Hope Solo's Solo FC, Liga MX Femenil's Club América, Cary's own North Carolina Courage, and KC Current II. A marquee matchup features Solo FC vs. North Carolina Courage on May 29 at 10 p.m. ET. For the full schedule, visit tst7v7.com.

Mixed Tournament Debuts with National Spotlight

New in 2026, TST introduces a 12-team mixed competition with men and women alternating by quarter, building toward TST's signature target score finish. The bracket is headlined by Landon Donovan's Sneaky FC, Hope Solo's Solo FC, Wrexham Red Dragons, and Hashtag United. The matchup between Sneaky FC and Solo FC airs nationally on NBC on May 30 at 2 p.m. ET. For the full schedule, visit tst7v7.com.

The Cary Cup

TST week in Cary isn't just for the pros. The Cary Cup, run in coordination with TST, brings the festival's 7v7 format and Target Score Time excitement to youth players, with boys and girls divisions from U10 through U17-U19. The tournament runs May 29-31 across fields in Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs, with championship finals at WakeMed Soccer Park during TST's Sunday semifinals for the first time. Every registered participant receives a complimentary multi-session TST ticket - a chance to watch the world's best play on the same fields where they'll compete.

Play Where the Pros Play

WakeMed Soccer Park has long been one of the country's top soccer destinations, and TST is the latest chapter in Cary's legacy as a world-class host. Located in the heart of North Carolina's Research Triangle, Cary offers visitors award-winning greenways, a thriving arts and dining scene, and a vibrant downtown just minutes from the pitch. Whether you're traveling with a team or cheering from the stands, there's plenty to explore. Plan your visit at carync.gov/tst.

Primary Contact

If you have specific questions, visit carync.gov/311, dial 311 anywhere in Cary, (919) 469-4000 outside Town limits, or email [email protected].

Resources

About Cary, North Carolina
With excellence and innovation at its core, Cary is a thriving community of around 190,000 residents representing more than 60 nationalities, positioned at the heart of North Carolina's renowned Research Triangle region. Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 Best Place to Live in North Carolina and No. 5 in the nation for 2025-2026, Cary is known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive greenways, environmental stewardship, and premier sports and cultural venues. Its "people first" philosophy drives collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking public investments that make Cary an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors. For more information, visit CaryNC.gov/about and follow on social media @caryncgov.

About The Soccer Tournament
The Soccer Tournament is held at WakeMed Soccer Park, 101 Soccer Park Drive in Cary. For more information, visit tst7v7.com or contact Jake Pavorsky at [email protected].

About The Tournament
Founded in 2014, The Tournament is owned by Jon Mugar and Chris Paul. Its flagship property, The Basketball Tournament (TBT), has crowned 12 champions and awarded more than $15 million in prizes. In 2023, The Tournament launched The Soccer Tournament, which has become the preeminent small-sided soccer festival in the world. For more information, visit TheTournament.com.