Growing the Game: Soccer Forward Foundation Scales Up as U.S. Soccer’s FIFA World Cup ‘26 Legacy Initiative
Soccer Forward releases partner-led resources to bring soccer into more schools and communities across America
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ATLANTA (October 1, 2025) – The U.S. Soccer Federation today announced the kick-off of initial nationwide efforts from the Soccer Forward Foundation, its landmark 2026 FIFA World Cup legacy initiative. Launched in 2024, Soccer Forward aims to make soccer the most accessible and impactful sport in America.
Soccer Forward serves as the social impact arm of U.S. Soccer and was created to deliver on the Federation’s vision that soccer is a force for good. By harnessing the unmatched ability of the game to bring people together, Soccer Forward is helping communities across the United States use soccer to promote physical and mental well-being, strengthen local connections, and expand opportunities for participation. The initiative is also designed to advance equity, particularly for girls and women at every level of the game, and to build a sense of belonging that will inspire leadership, volunteerism, and pride.
“Soccer Forward is about making sure that anyone who wants to play this game has the chance, regardless of where they live or what their story is,” said JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO. “Soccer has a unique power to bring people together, and we believe it can help build stronger, healthier communities across the country. This sport changes lives, and we’re committed to making sure more people get to feel that for themselves.”
Soccer Forward launched the first phase of the Resource Hub, a digital platform that houses over a hundred tools, trainings, case studies, and evidence contributed by expert organizations from across the soccer and social impact ecosystem. Within the Resource Hub is the first of many Toolkits created by U.S. Soccer, focusing on starter activities and advocacy tips for getting more soccer meaningfully in schools and after school. Toolkits to be released in the coming months include topics such as more places to play, community coaching, and maximizing next summer’s excitement when the world’s biggest sporting tournament is played for the first time in North America in over 30 years. The Resource Hub will continue to grow and evolve, ensuring its usefulness and relevance for those wanting to grow the game and make a difference.
“Soccer has taught me so many important lessons throughout my life, and our goal is to provide every kid in every community with those same opportunities,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “Soccer Forward makes that possible by providing resources and toolkits that can help break down barriers and get soccer into more schools and communities to ensure the game is accessible to everyone. As we build toward the World Cup, we want more kids and families to discover the game and stay connected to it for life, leaving a legacy that lasts for generations.”
The launch of these Soccer Forward initiatives comes at a moment of extraordinary opportunity for soccer in America, with further flagship legacy programs slated to be announced in the coming months. With the world’s attention turning toward the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026, the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, and the United States’ bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031.
Hosting the World Cup next year is projected to drive a transformational spike in U.S. soccer fandom, with fandom expected to surge to over 154 million people, a 48% increase compared to pre-tournament levels. Participation follows a similar trend, growing from a baseline of 20 million in recent years to an estimated 29 million in 2026 and 34 million in 2031.
Supporting this nationwide expansion are Soccer Forward Ambassadors, the first of which include U.S. National Team alumni such as Tony Sanneh, Kyle Martino, Kate Ward and CJ Brown, current players such as Ally Sentnor and Chris Richards, and public figures to advance the mission of the program. By lending their voices and platforms, these ambassadors will help elevate Soccer Forward’s impact, directly linking it to their own missions and values while inspiring the next generation of players, fans, and leaders.
“There are so many amazing organizations doing meaningful work in their communities every day across the nation,” said Lex Chalat, executive director of the Soccer Forward Foundation. “Soccer Forward wants to serve these changemakers and support them in furthering their impact through soccer. Together, we can build a national movement that keeps score in new ways, showing that soccer is not just about goals and wins, but about health, belonging, and community impact. This is truly just the beginning.”
Soccer Forward represents U.S. Soccer’s long-term commitment to making soccer accessible to everyone, everywhere. To date, U.S. Soccer, through its Innovate to Grow grant initiative, has facilitated over $16M into communities and organizations focused on finding ways to make the game more accessible and inclusive for all. Soccer Forward also received a $25M gift from philanthropist Michele Kang to further the equity and excellence of the women’s game at every level through cutting-edge research and innovation projects. By investing in people, programs, and places, and by leveraging the excitement of the upcoming World Cup, the initiative is aiming to redefine what it means to win, not just on the field, but in communities across the nation.
About the U.S. Soccer Federation
Founded in 1913, U.S. Soccer, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the official governing body of the sport in the United States. Our vision is clear; we exist in service to soccer. Our ambition, working across the soccer ecosystem, is to ignite a national passion for the game. We believe soccer is more than a sport; it is a force for good. We are focused in three areas: Soccer Everywhere, ensuring everyone, everywhere experiences the joy of soccer; Soccer Success, our 27 National Teams and pro leagues winning on the world stage; and Soccer Investment, maximizing and diversifying investments to sustainably grow the game at all levels. For more information, visit ussoccer.com/ourvision.