{{short description|Governing body of soccer in the United States}} {{Redirect|U.S. Soccer|soccer in the United States, including the national teams|Soccer in the United States}} {{redirect|United States Football Association|the governing body of American football in the United States|USA Football}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2023}} {{Use American English|date=May 2017}} {{Infobox football association | Logo = United States Soccer Federation logo.svg | Badge_size = 150px | Founded = {{Start date and age|1913|4|5}}<ref>{{cite news|title=U.S. Soccer celebrates 100th anniversary|url=http://www.concacaf.com/article/u-s-soccer-celebrates-100th-anniversary|publisher=CONCACAF|date=April 9, 2013|access-date=May 25, 2016|archive-date=December 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216015602/http://www.concacaf.com/article/u-s-soccer-celebrates-100th-anniversary|url-status=live}}</ref> | FIFA affiliation = {{nowrap|August 2, 1913 (provisional)}}<br />{{nowrap|June 27, 1914 (full member)}} | Region = CONCACAF | Region affiliation = September 18, 1961<br />(original member)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1CghAAAAIBAJ&pg=1063%2C13514197|title=Ramón Coll, electo Presidente de la Confederación de Futbol de América del Norte, América Central y el Caribe|date=September 23, 1961|newspaper=La Nación (Google News Archive)|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=May 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521104929/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1CghAAAAIBAJ&pg=1063%2C13514197|url-status=live}}</ref> | Headquarters = {{nowrap|910 Veterans Pkwy}}<br />{{nowrap|Fayetteville, Georgia, U.S.}} | President = Cindy Parlow Cone | Website = {{URL|https://www.ussoccer.com/|ussoccer.com}} }}
The '''United States Soccer Federation''' ('''USSF'''), commonly referred to as '''U.S. Soccer''', is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and the official governing body of soccer in the United States. It is a full member of FIFA and governs American soccer at the international, professional, and amateur levels, including: the men's and women's national teams, Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), youth organizations, as well as the beach soccer, futsal, Paralympic, and deaf national teams. U.S. Soccer sanctions referees and soccer tournaments for most soccer leagues in the United States. It also administers and operates the U.S. Open Cup and SheBelieves Cup. U.S. Soccer is headquartered in and has a consolidated training facility in the Atlanta suburb of Fayetteville, Georgia.
==History== 200px|thumb|The first logo used by the federation. [[Image:20070110 United States Soccer Federation.JPG|thumb|right|Former United States Soccer Federation headquarters building, known as the Soccer House, 1801 South Prairie Avenue in Chicago]] {{See also|Names for association football #North America|History of soccer in the United States}} The United States Soccer Federation was originally established as the '''United States Football Association''' on April 5, 1913, at a meeting held in the Astor House Hotel in Lower Manhattan, New York City.<ref>{{cite news |author=Jack Bell |date=April 2, 2013 |title=US Soccer Celebrates 100 Years |url=https://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/u-s-soccer-celebrates-100-years/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805160358/https://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/02/u-s-soccer-celebrates-100-years/ |archive-date=August 5, 2021 |access-date=August 5, 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=English}}</ref> Shortly after its creation, on August 15, 1913, the USFA was provisionally accepted as a member association of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), becoming one of the earlier federations to affiliate and the first from the North and Central American region to join FIFA’s global governing structure. At the FIFA Congress in Oslo, Norway, on June 24, 1914, this provisional status was elevated to full membership.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 10, 2010 |title=Timeline |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/history/timeline |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721142756/https://www.ussoccer.com/history/timeline |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2013 |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |language=English}}</ref><ref>Spalding's Official Soccer Football Guide 1914–15, p. 44</ref>
{{multiple image <!-- Essential parameters -->| align = right | direction = vertical | width = 150 | image1 = United States Soccer Federation logo (1936-1945).svg | width1 = 150px | alt1 = | caption1 = Logo of the federation between 1936 and 1945. | image2 = United States Soccer Federation logo (1945-1967).svg | width2 = 150px | alt2 = | caption2 = Logo of the federation between 1945 and 1967. | image3 = United States Soccer Federation logo (1950, variant 3).svg | width3 = 150px | alt3 = | caption3 = Logo used at the time of the 1950 World Cup. | image4 = United States Soccer Federation logo (1967-1974).svg | width4 = 150px | alt4 = | caption4 = Logo of the federation between 1967 and 1974. | image5 = United States Soccer Federation logo (1974-1978).svg | width5 = 150px | alt5 = | caption5 = Logo of the federation between and 1974 and 1978. | image6 = United States Soccer Federation logo (1978-1992).svg | width6 = 150px | alt6 = | caption6 = Logo of the federation between and 1978 and 1992. }}
Over the decades, the organization underwent several name changes reflecting both the evolution of the sport domestically and linguistic differences in how “football” and “soccer” were used in the United States in comparison to the rest of the world. In 1945, the word “soccer” was formally incorporated into its title — becoming the United States Soccer Football Association — as the term “football” in the U.S. increasingly referred to American football rather than association football. Later, in 1974, the federation dropped “football” entirely and adopted its current name, the United States Soccer Federation, often abbreviated as U.S. Soccer.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Soccer: History |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/about/history.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203061033/http://www.ussoccer.com/about/history.aspx |archive-date=December 3, 2016 |access-date=July 16, 2013 |publisher=ussoccer.com}}</ref>
Beyond FIFA membership, the United States Soccer Federation was a founding member of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) when the confederation was established in 1961. CONCACAF was formed through the merger of the North American Football Union (NAFU) and the Football Confederation of Central America and the Caribbean (CCCF), creating a unified governing body for football in the region and expanding organized competition and development across member associations.
=== International tournaments hosted === U.S. Soccer has been instrumental in bringing international soccer tournaments to the United States, significantly influencing the sport’s visibility and popularity domestically, such as when the federation successfully bid for the FIFA World Cup and hosted it in 1994. The edition broke attendance records for the tournament and provided a major catalyst for growth in the sport nationwide, and its success contributed directly to the founding of MLS in 1996. The United States will again be in the global spotlight as a co-host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico, in a tournament that will feature an expanded field of 48 teams.
The US has also hosted two editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup: in 1999 and 2003, both of which helped elevate the women’s game to new heights in the United States and around the world.
U.S. Soccer also served as the organizing host for the Olympic soccer tournaments during the 1984 edition (held in Los Angeles) and the 1996 edition, hosted in Atlanta and the first time a women's soccer tournament was held, integrating the sport into these high-profile global multi-sport events.
===Headquarters and national training center=== Originally based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, U.S. Soccer headquarters were moved to Chicago in 1991 under the leadership of former secretary general, Hank Steinbrecher<ref>{{cite web |title=CHICAGO: HOME TO U.S. SOCCER HOUSE |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/history/us-soccer-house |publisher=US Soccer Federation |access-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-date=June 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612091132/https://www.ussoccer.com/history/us-soccer-house |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Hank Steinbrecher |url=http://ncsoccerhalloffame.com/hank-steinbrecher/ |publisher=North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame |access-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204023807/http://ncsoccerhalloffame.com/hank-steinbrecher/ |url-status=live }}</ref> From 1991 to 2022, the organization was based out of U.S. Soccer House, two refurbished mansions at 1801 South Prairie Avenue in Chicago.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/about/about-home/us-soccer-house.aspx|title=Chicago: Home to U.S. Soccer House|publisher=ussoccer.com|access-date=July 16, 2013|archive-date=September 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929023423/http://www.ussoccer.com/about/about-home/us-soccer-house.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, they moved to temporary quarters at 303 East Wacker Street in Chicago in anticipation of a permanent relocation to new facilities in Fayetteville, Georgia.
In 2003, U.S. Soccer opened its National Training Center at Dignity Health Sports Park (then named Home Depot Center) in Carson, California. The $130 million facility includes a soccer-specific stadium, home to the MLS team Los Angeles Galaxy. Additionally, four grass soccer fields, a FieldTurf soccer field, and a general training area are specifically dedicated to U.S. Soccer. Both the senior and youth men's and women's U.S. national teams hold regular camps at Dignity Health Sports Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/news/u-17-mnt/2003/06/u-s-under-17-mnt-to-be-first-to-practice-at-national-training-center-at-the-home-depot-center-friday.aspx|title=U.S. Under-17 MNT To Be First to Practice at National Training Center at The Home Depot Center Friday|publisher=ussoccer.com|date=June 5, 2003|access-date=July 15, 2013|archive-date=May 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514115909/http://www.ussoccer.com/news/u-17-mnt/2003/06/u-s-under-17-mnt-to-be-first-to-practice-at-national-training-center-at-the-home-depot-center-friday.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
U.S. Soccer was also exploring the possibility of building the National Training and Coaching Development Center in Kansas City, Kansas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/us/mnt.php?article_id=33248|title=A home in Kansas? U.S. Soccer exploring new training center|publisher=bigapplesoccer.com|date=April 5, 2013|access-date=July 15, 2013|archive-date=August 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812163409/http://www.bigapplesoccer.com/us/mnt.php?article_id=33248|url-status=dead}}</ref> On April 9, 2015, the Development Center received final approval from the local governments. U.S. Soccer agreed to a 20-year lease, with the project set to break ground in 2016 and finishing some time in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McDowell|first1=Sam|title=National soccer education and training center gets final approval for construction in Kansas City, Kan.|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article18007043.html|publisher=kansascity.com|access-date=November 19, 2015|archive-date=November 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119204141/http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/sporting-kc/article18007043.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first1=Lisa|last1=Augustine|first2=Jake|last2=Jacobson|title=Children's Mercy and Sporting Kansas City announce youth health and pediatric sports medicine initiative|url=http://news.childrensmercy.org/childrens-mercy-and-sporting-kansas-city-announce-youth-health-and-pediatric-sports-medicine-initiative/|website=childrensmercy.org|publisher=Children's Mercy Hospital|access-date=November 19, 2015|archive-date=November 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119204114/http://news.childrensmercy.org/childrens-mercy-and-sporting-kansas-city-announce-youth-health-and-pediatric-sports-medicine-initiative/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In September 2023, U.S. Soccer announced they were moving from Chicago to a new headquarters and training center south of Atlanta, which will be partially funded by Arthur Blank, cofounder of The Home Depot and owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/09/us-soccer-national-training-center-atlanta-initial-funding-arthur-m-blank-grow-soccer-ecosystem |title=U.S. Soccer to build national training center in metro Atlanta with initial funding from Arthur M. Blank to help grow soccer ecosystem nationally |date=September 15, 2023 |website=www.USSoccer.com |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |access-date=December 8, 2023}}</ref> In December 2023, U.S. Soccer announced they had chosen a site for the new national training center in Fayette County, Georgia. The {{convert|200|acre|ha|adj=mid}} site is scheduled to be developed and opened before the 2026 FIFA World Cup; it is in the same metropolitan area as the headquarters of Coca-Cola, one of the founding partners for the training center.<ref>{{cite news |last=Roberson |first=Doug |date=December 7, 2023 |title=U.S. Soccer selects Fayette County in metro Atlanta as its new home |url=https://www.ajc.com/sports/atlanta-united/breaking-us-soccer-selects-fayette-county-as-its-new-home/3I5FT5WLCVD6ZBBS3OQGEYQ2CQ/ |work=Atlanta Journal-Constitution |url-access=subscription |accessdate=December 30, 2023}}</ref> The new training center will be named after Arthur Blank to honor his involvement in the move. The National Training Center and headquarters opened on May 7, 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bushnell |first=Henry |date=May 5, 2026 |title=How U.S. Soccer's decades-long dream of a national training center became reality |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7253088/2026/05/05/us-soccer-national-training-center-georgia-usmnt-uswnt/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |accessdate=May 6, 2026}}</ref>
==Organization and governance==
U.S. Soccer serves as the official governing body for soccer in the United States, and it is tasked with organizing national teams, sanctioning professional and amateur leagues, overseeing refereeing and coaching standards, and promoting the game at all levels across the country working closely with state and local level organizations for youth and amateur leagues. Throughout its history, U.S. Soccer has presided over a significant expansion of soccer’s popularity and infrastructure, from grassroots youth participation to professional leagues such as Major League Soccer (MLS), and the national teams, youth and senior.
The federation has also established and supported national competitions, such as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, established in 1913 (as the National Challenge Cup), which is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States, open to all professional and amateur teams. The U.S. Open Cup later was renamed in honor of Lamar Hunt, a key figure in the development of American sports as a whole.
U.S. Soccer is governed by a board of directors that administers the affairs of U.S. Soccer.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/board-of-directors|title=Board of Directors|website=ussoccer.com|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=April 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419060403/https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/board-of-directors/about|url-status=live}}</ref> Cindy Parlow Cone, former 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup champion and long-time U.S. Soccer administrator, became president in March 2020 following the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/03/carlos-cordeiro-announces-resignation-as-us-soccer-president|title=Carlos Cordeiro Announces Resignation as US Soccer president|website=ussoccer.com|access-date=March 13, 2020|archive-date=March 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313235729/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/03/carlos-cordeiro-announces-resignation-as-us-soccer-president|url-status=live}}</ref> JT Batson was named chief executive officer and secretary general in September 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=September 26, 2022 |title=USSF hires J.T. Batson as CEO, secretary general to replace Will Wilson |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37632253/ussf-hires-jt-batson-ceo-secretary-general-replace-wilson |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231045444/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37632253/ussf-hires-jt-batson-ceo-secretary-general-replace-wilson |url-status=live }}</ref>
U.S. Soccer members are individuals and affiliate organizations. The national council is the representative membership body of the federation. It elects the president and vice president, amends the bylaws, approves the budgets, decides on policies adopted by the board, and affirms actions of the Board.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} The non-profit organization is a member of the worldwide soccer body FIFA and the North American soccer body CONCACAF, and also has a relationship with the U.S. Olympic Committee and the International Olympic Committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ussoccer.com/about/about-us-soccer/organizational-structure|title=Organizational Structure|website=ussoccer.com|access-date=November 21, 2017|archive-date=November 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120041054/https://www.ussoccer.com/about/about-us-soccer/organizational-structure|url-status=live}}</ref>
The federation convenes an annual meeting, usually held in February. Every four years, the annual meeting's attendees hold an election for the federation's president and vice president.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Paul |date=October 13, 2017 |title=Here's how U.S. Soccer's presidential election works |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/75297/heres-how-us-soccers-presidential-election-wor.html?edition=17928 |work=Soccer America |access-date=November 6, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107060353/https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/75297/heres-how-us-soccers-presidential-election-wor.html?edition=17928 |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Members of the U.S. Soccer Federation=== USSF recognizes the following members:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/organization-members|title=Organization Members|publisher=ussoccer.com|access-date=July 6, 2019|archive-date=August 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812220148/https://www.ussoccer.com/organization-members|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Professional Council ==== * Major League Soccer (MLS) * National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) * United Soccer League (USL) * National Independent Soccer Association (NISA)
==== Adult Council ==== * United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) * United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA)
==== Youth Council ==== * United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) * United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) * American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) * US Club Soccer * Soccer Association for Youth (SAY)
==== USSF State Soccer Associations ====
==== Other affiliate members ==== * American Amputee Soccer Association * Armed Forces Sports Council * United Soccer Coaches * United States Power Soccer Association (USPSA) * U.S. Soccer Foundation * United States Futsal Federation * United States Specialty Sports Association * United States of America Deaf Soccer Association (USA Deaf Soccer)
== National teams ==
===U.S. men's national team=== {{Main|United States men's national soccer team}}
{{missing|CONCACAF tournaments and other results|date=December 2023}}
The United States men's national team was assembled in 1885 to play Canada in the first international match held outside the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Soccer Timeline|url=http://www.ussoccer.com|publisher=U.S. Soccer Federation|access-date=August 26, 2014|archive-date=September 15, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200915045530/https://www.ussoccer.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> The team was invited to the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930 and qualified for the World Cup in 1934, finishing third place (semifinals) in 1930 out of 13 teams participating. In 1950 the United States scored one of its most surprising victories with a 1–0 win over heavily favored England, who were amongst the world's best sides at the time.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-06-02 |title=World Cup: US v England match recalls 1950 upset |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/10200154 |access-date=2025-09-19 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-05-05 |title=World Cup Classic Matches: United States 1-0 England (1950 World Cup, first group stage) |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37333393/usa-1-0-england-1950 |access-date=2025-09-19 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> The United States did not reach another World Cup until an upstart team qualified for the 1990 World Cup with the "goal heard around the world" scored by Paul Caligiuri against Trinidad and Tobago, which started the modern era of soccer in the United States.
The United States hosted the 1994 FIFA World Cup, setting total and average attendance records that still stand, including drawing 94,194 fans to the final.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1994 FIFA World Cup |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/history/us-soccer-as-host/1994-fifa-world-cup |access-date=November 30, 2023 |website=www.ussoccer.com |language=en |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202194515/https://www.ussoccer.com/history/us-soccer-as-host/1994-fifa-world-cup |url-status=live }}</ref> The United States made a surprising run to the second round in 1994, but finished last among the 32 teams in the 1998 World Cup. The tournament was marred by poor team chemistry and leadership, which led head coach Steve Sampson to resign.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shipley |first=Amy |date=June 30, 1998 |title=SAMPSON RESIGNS AS COACH OF U.S. |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1998/06/30/sampson-resigns-as-coach-of-us/8f30bcf2-1e7c-4566-b730-b49dc17fc677/ |access-date=December 4, 2023}}</ref> Sampson was replaced by Bruce Arena, a two-time MLS Cup winner with D.C. United, in 1998.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yannis |first=Alex |date=October 28, 1998 |title=SOCCER; Future of U.S. Program Is in the Hands of Arena |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/28/sports/soccer-future-of-us-program-is-in-the-hands-of-arena.html |access-date=December 4, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204225402/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/10/28/sports/soccer-future-of-us-program-is-in-the-hands-of-arena.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Arena led a mix of veterans and youth players to a quarterfinal appearance in the 2002 World Cup, defeating rivals Mexico in the Round of 16 before losing to eventual runners-up Germany.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2022 |title=The biggest Dos a Cero turns 20: How the U.S. win over Mexico at the 2002 World Cup forever altered the rivalry |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37629398/how-us-win-mexico-2002-world-cup-forever-altered-rivalry |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Clarke |first=Liz |date=June 22, 2002 |title=U.S. World Cup Run Ends |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2002/06/22/us-world-cup-run-ends/c5389727-f336-466a-85bd-4fc06ec861e7/ |access-date=December 4, 2023}}</ref>
At the 2006 edition of the tournament, the U.S. failed to qualify for the knockout round with two losses and a draw in the group stage.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Longman |first=Jere |date=June 22, 2006 |title=World Cup Ends for the U.S. After Loss to Ghana |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/22/sports/soccer/22cnd-soccer.html |access-date=December 4, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=June 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614100026/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/22/sports/soccer/22cnd-soccer.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Arena's contract was not renewed following the tournament; former assistant Bob Bradley was hired as head coach in 2007.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Litsky |first=Frank |date=May 17, 2007 |title=Bradley Takes Reins as Coach of U.S. Team |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/17/sports/soccer/17soccer.html |access-date=December 4, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> The U.S. qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa by winning the CONCACAF qualifying tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/match?id=279519&cc=5901|title=October 10, 2009: Honduras 2–3 USA|publisher=espnfc.com|access-date=July 16, 2013|archive-date=August 11, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140811111337/http://www.espnfc.com/match?id=279519&cc=5901|url-status=live}}</ref> At the World Cup, the Americans were undefeated in the group stage but were eliminated in the round of 16 by a loss to Ghana. Bradley was dismissed following the 2011 Gold Cup, which the United States lost 4–2 to Mexico in the final.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Longman |first=Jeré |date=July 28, 2011 |title=U.S. Soccer Has Restart as Bradley Is Dismissed |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/sports/soccer/bob-bradley-fired-as-coach-of-us-mens-national-soccer-team.html |access-date=December 4, 2023 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=August 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810055903/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/29/sports/soccer/bob-bradley-fired-as-coach-of-us-mens-national-soccer-team.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The U.S. entered the 2014 FIFA World Cup under Jürgen Klinsmann, who had led Germany to third place in the 2006 World Cup and had lived in the United States for several years. Klinsmann recruited dual national players, particularly Germans with American heritage, and favored youth in his rosters; this included his exclusion of Landon Donovan from the World Cup roster.<ref name="SI-Klinsmann">{{cite magazine |last=Ballard |first=Chris |date=May 16, 2018 |title=The Reflection, Future and Duality of Post-USMNT Jurgen Klinsmann |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/05/16/jurgen-klinsmann-us-soccer-world-cup-usmnt |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=July 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708052800/https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/05/16/jurgen-klinsmann-us-soccer-world-cup-usmnt |url-status=live }}</ref> The U.S. finished second in the "Group of Death" (eventual champion Germany, Ghana, and Portugal) and advanced to the round of 16, where they lost to Belgium in extra time after goalkeeper Tim Howard's 16 saves set a World Cup record.<ref name="SI-Klinsmann"/><ref>{{cite news |last=Bandini |first=Nicky |date=July 1, 2014 |title=Tim Howard reflects on 'bittersweet' World Cup record in USA defeat |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/02/tim-howard-record-world-cup-saves-usa |work=The Guardian |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=May 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220529001100/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jul/02/tim-howard-record-world-cup-saves-usa |url-status=live }}</ref> Klinsmann was retained as head coach for the 2018 World Cup qualifying cycle, but was fired in November 2016 after the team had lost the opening two matches of the final qualifying round.<ref>{{cite news |last=Borden |first=Sam |date=November 21, 2016 |title=Jurgen Klinsmann Fired as U.S. Soccer Coach |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/21/sports/soccer/jurgen-klinsmann-fired-us-soccer-coach.html |work=The New York Times |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123111121/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/21/sports/soccer/jurgen-klinsmann-fired-us-soccer-coach.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Bruce Arena was hired to replace Klinsmann, but the United States finished fifth and were unable to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It was the first time the U.S. had failed to qualify for the World Cup since 1986.<ref>{{cite news |last=Das |first=Andrew |date=October 10, 2017 |title=United States Misses World Cup for First Time Since 1986 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/sports/soccer/usmnt-trinidad-world-cup.html |work=The New York Times |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231064841/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/sports/soccer/usmnt-trinidad-world-cup.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Arena resigned following the qualification campaign and was replaced by Dave Sarachan, who was the interim coach during the search for a permanent head coach. Sarachan's year-long tenure included the introduction of several young players to replace veterans who had resigned following the 2018 qualification cycle.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tenorio |first=Paul |date=November 14, 2018 |title='See me for what I am': Dave Sarachan on his interim year and the USMNT coaching search |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/653956/2018/11/14/see-me-for-what-i-am-dave-sarachan-on-his-interim-year-and-the-usmnt-coaching-search/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231064841/https://theathletic.com/653956/2018/11/14/see-me-for-what-i-am-dave-sarachan-on-his-interim-year-and-the-usmnt-coaching-search/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Columbus Crew coach Gregg Berhalter was selected and hired as head coach in December 2018; his rosters rely mostly on younger players who had played in MLS academies or were developed by teams in Europe. During qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the United States had rosters with an average age of under 24 years old; the team finished 7–3–4 during the final round and qualified for the World Cup.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Straus |first=Brian |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Youth Defines the New USMNT, but Program's Rebuild Wasn't Child's Play |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/11/09/usmnt-world-cup-2022-squad-youth-berhalter-daily-cover |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014224507/https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/11/09/usmnt-world-cup-2022-squad-youth-berhalter-daily-cover |url-status=live }}</ref> Berhalter used the second-youngest roster at the World Cup with only DeAndre Yedlin retained from a previous World Cup team. The United States finished second in their group with a win against Iran and ties with England and Wales. The team were eliminated in the round of 16 by the Netherlands.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Straus |first=Brian |date=December 5, 2022 |title=The Big Decision Facing USMNT and Its Out-of-Contract Manager |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2022/12/05/gregg-berhalter-future-usmnt-manager-us-soccer-stewart |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=December 30, 2023}}</ref>
Berhalter's contract was renewed in June 2023 following an investigation by U.S. Soccer into allegations of domestic abuse from a 1991 incident. During his absence from the team, two assistant coaches served as interim coaches.<ref>{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=June 16, 2023 |title=After a chaotic moment in U.S. soccer, Gregg Berhalter gets a second chance |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/06/16/gregg-berhalter-usmnt-coach-return-gio-reyna/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |accessdate=December 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Baxter |first=Kevin |date=May 30, 2023 |title=U.S. Soccer names B.J. Callaghan new interim coach of men's national team |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2023-05-30/bj-callaghan-usmnt-summer-tournaments-interim-coach |work=Los Angeles Times |accessdate=December 30, 2023}}</ref> B.J. Callaghan, the second interim coach, led the United States to a second CONCACAF Nations League title but failed to reach the final of the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup.<ref>{{cite news |last=Tannenwald |first=Jonathan |date=June 19, 2023 |title=Five takeaways on the USMNT's Concacaf Nations League final win over Canada |url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/folarin-balogun-usmnt-gio-reyna-chris-richards-brenden-aaronson-20230619.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714073504/https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/folarin-balogun-usmnt-gio-reyna-chris-richards-brenden-aaronson-20230619.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Boehm |first=Charles |date=July 12, 2023 |title=BJ Callaghan takes blame as Panama stun USMNT in Gold Cup semifinals |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/bj-callaghan-takes-blame-as-panama-stun-usmnt-in-gold-cup-semifinals |work=MLSsoccer.com |accessdate=December 30, 2023}}</ref> Berhalter was fired in July 2024 following the team's group-stage exit at the 2024 Copa América and replaced in September 2024 by Mauricio Pochettino, an Argentinian manager with experience in European leagues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Becky |date=September 10, 2024 |title=Mauricio Pochettino is named the new coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/09/10/g-s1-18047/mauricio-pochettino-usmnt-coach-us-soccer-chelsea |publisher=NPR |accessdate=September 11, 2024 |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910225619/https://www.npr.org/2024/09/10/g-s1-18047/mauricio-pochettino-usmnt-coach-us-soccer-chelsea |url-status=live }}</ref>
The United States will co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico after their joint bid was selected over Morocco by FIFA in 2018. The tournament will be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams.<ref>{{cite news |last=McKirdy |first=Euan |date=June 13, 2018 |title=World Cup 2026: US-Mexico-Canada bid chosen as host |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/13/football/world-cup-2026-host-spt-intl/index.html |publisher=CNN |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231064841/https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/13/football/world-cup-2026-host-spt-intl/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The United States will also host the 2024 Copa América, the championship of South American teams; it will be the second Copa América to be played in the United States following the Copa América Centenario in 2016.<ref name="NBC-Copa">{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=Andy |last2=Prince-Wright |first2=Joe |date=December 11, 2023 |title=2024 Copa America in the USA: Group stage draw, stadiums, schedule, dates, fixtures |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/2024-copa-america-to-be-played-in-usa |work=NBC Sports |accessdate=December 30, 2023}}</ref> The United States did not automatically qualify as hosts,<ref>{{cite news |last=Tannenwald |first=Jonathan |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Will the USMNT play in the 2024 Copa América? U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson opens the door to it. |url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/copa-america-2024-united-states-usmnt-jt-batson-20230113.html |work=The Philadelphia Inquirer |accessdate=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231065303/https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/copa-america-2024-united-states-usmnt-jt-batson-20230113.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but earned a spot through their performance in the 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League.<ref name="NBC-Copa"/>
===U.S. women's national team=== {{Main|United States women's national soccer team}}
{{expand section|date=July 2020}} [[File:United States women's national soccer team logo.svg|thumb|200x200px|The logo used by the United States women's national soccer team. The four stars represent the four FIFA Women's World Cup titles won by the team, the most of any country.]] Having won four FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments—1991, 1999, 2015, and 2019—the United States is considered the most successful in international women's soccer. The team finished second in 2011 and third in 1995, 2003, and 2007. It has won Olympic gold medals at the 1996, 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2024 Summer Olympics.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ranking the eight USWNT Women's World Cup teams |date=July 7, 2020 |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37584807/ranking-eight-uswnt-women-world-cup-teams |work=ESPN |access-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-date=August 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805024606/https://www.espn.com/soccer/fifa-womens-world-cup/story/4129302/ranking-the-eight-uswnt-womens-world-cup-teams |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, it has won ten titles at the Algarve Cup and nine at the CONCACAF Women's Championship, the qualifying tournament for the FIFA Women's World Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Algarve Cup (Women) |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/wom-algarve.html |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=www.rsssf.org |archive-date=October 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004221554/https://www.rsssf.org/tablesw/wom-algarve.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All-Time Ranking CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup 1991-2014 |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/cam-women-allt.html |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=www.rsssf.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=CONCACAF W Championship Seasons |url=https://fbref.com/en/comps/157/history/CONCACAF-W-Championship-Seasons |access-date=December 4, 2023 |website=FBref.com |language=en |archive-date=December 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231204225402/https://fbref.com/en/comps/157/history/CONCACAF-W-Championship-Seasons |url-status=live }}</ref>
The inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup was held in 1991 in China. The U.S. women's national team was the first team to win the prize after beating Norway in the final.<ref>{{cite web |title=USA triumph as history made in China PR |url=https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/archive/chinapr1991/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702170224/http://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/archive/chinapr1991/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |publisher=FIFA |access-date=July 31, 2020}}</ref>
In 1999, the United States hosted the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time. During their tournament run, the women's national team established a new level of popularity for the women's game, culminating in a final against China that drew 90,185 fans, an all-time attendance record for a women's sports event, to a sold-out Rose Bowl. After neither team scored in regulation or extra time, the final went to a penalty shootout, which the United States won 5–4. The celebration by Brandi Chastain after she converted the winning penalty, in which she took off her shirt, is one of the more famous images in U.S. women's sports, and American sports in general.
===Youth national teams=== U.S. Soccer Federation oversees and promotes the development of 14 youth national teams:<ref name="teams" /> *U.S. Under-23 Men *U.S. Under-23 Women *U.S. Under-20 Men *U.S. Under-20 Women *U.S. Under-19 Men *U.S. Under-19 Women *U.S. Under-18 Men *U.S. Under-18 Women *U.S. Under-17 Men *U.S. Under-17 Women *U.S. Under-16 Boys *U.S. Under-16 Girls *U.S. Under-15 Boys *U.S. Under-15 Girls
U.S. Soccer Federation had ceased operations on its youth national team programming except for the U-23, U-20, and U-17 teams on the men's side and the U-20 and U-17 teams on the women's side due to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020.<ref name="covid-ussf">{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Will |title=LETTER TO U.S. SOCCER MEMBERSHIP |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/04/letter-to-us-soccer-membership |access-date=April 16, 2020 |publisher=US Soccer |date=April 16, 2020 |archive-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416192815/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/04/letter-to-us-soccer-membership |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="covid">{{cite news |last1=McIntyre |first1=Doug |title=U.S. Soccer is shuttering most of its youth national teams until at least 2021 – sources |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/us-soccer-is-shuttering-most-of-its-youth-national-teams-until-at-least-2021-sources-162220470.html |access-date=April 16, 2020 |publisher=Yahoo Sports |date=April 16, 2020 |archive-date=April 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423211308/https://sports.yahoo.com/us-soccer-is-shuttering-most-of-its-youth-national-teams-until-at-least-2021-sources-162220470.html |url-status=live }}</ref> ==Extended national teams== The USSF supervises nine extended national teams across adaptive and alternative disciplines of soccer.<ref>{{cite web |title=Extended National Teams |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/tags/extended-national-teams |access-date=March 9, 2026 |publisher=U.S. Soccer}}</ref> These teams focus on beach soccer, futsal, cerebral palsy (CP) soccer, deaf soccer, and power soccer (co-ed).<ref>{{cite web |title=Power Soccer National Team |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/power-soccer-national-team |access-date=March 9, 2026 |publisher=U.S. Soccer}}</ref>
The extended teams are:
* '''Beach soccer''': U.S. Men's Beach Soccer National Team and U.S. Women's Beach Soccer National Team * '''Futsal''': U.S. Men's Futsal National Team and U.S. Women's Futsal National Team * '''Cerebral palsy soccer''': U.S. Men's CP National Team and U.S. Women's CP National Team * '''Deaf soccer''': U.S. Men's Deaf National Team and U.S. Women's Deaf National Team * '''Power soccer''': U.S. Power Soccer National Team (co-ed)
These teams compete in international competitions under their respective governing bodies (e.g., Beach Soccer Worldwide for beach soccer, IFCPF for CP soccer, IF Deaf Sports for deaf soccer, FIFA for futsal, and FIPFA for power soccer). U.S. Soccer provides oversight, funding, and development support.<ref>{{cite web |date=January 14, 2026 |title=U.S. Soccer Announces Winners of 2025 Extended National Teams Player of the Year Awards |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/01/us-soccer-announces-winners-of-2025-extended-national-teams-player-of-the-year-awards |access-date=March 9, 2026 |publisher=U.S. Soccer}}</ref> The federation continues to highlight the program through events like annual player awards and training camps.<ref name="ussoccer-awards">{{cite web |date=2026-01-14 |title=U.S. Soccer Announces Winners of 2025 Extended National Teams Player of the Year Awards |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/01/us-soccer-announces-winners-of-2025-extended-national-teams-player-of-the-year-awards |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=U.S. Soccer}}</ref>
* '''Beach soccer''': ** The men's team has qualified for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup seven times (2005–2024 editions), with best results in the group stage; they are strong regionally, winning the CONCACAF Beach Soccer Championship in 2006, 2007 (joint), 2013, and 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Men's Beach Soccer National Team |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/mens-beach-soccer-national-team |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=U.S. Soccer}}</ref>
* '''Futsal''': ** The men's team has appeared in the FIFA Futsal World Cup multiple times (e.g., 1989–2008 editions), with best results reaching the second group stage; they have not qualified recently.
* '''Cerebral palsy soccer''': ** The men's team has competed at IFCPF World Cups and Paralympic-related events, with a seventh-place finish at the 2024 IFCPF World Cup. The women's team won the inaugural IFCPF Women's World Cup in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |date=2024-11-22 |title=U.S. Men's CP National Comeback Defeats Germany 4-3 in Extra Time to Take Seventh Place at 2024 IFCPF World Cup |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/11/us-mens-cp-national-comeback-defeats-germany-4-3-in-extra-time-to-take-seventh-place-at-2024-ifcpf-world-cup |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=U.S. Soccer}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=2022-05-17 |title=U.S. Para Women Win Inaugural 2022 IFCPF World Cup |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2022/05/us-womens-para-national-team-4-australia-2-2022-ifcpf-world-cup |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=U.S. Soccer}}</ref>
* '''Deaf soccer''': ** The women's team is highly successful, winning multiple Deaflympics gold medals (2005, 2009, 2013, 2021, 2025) and World Deaf Football Championships (2012, 2016, 2023), with an undefeated or near-undefeated record in major events. The men's team has participated but with fewer podium finishes.<ref>{{cite web |date=2025-11-25 |title=U.S. Women's Deaf National Team Claims Record Fifth Deaflympics Gold Medal |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/11/womens-deaf-national-team-wins-deaflympics-gold-medal-4-0-win-vs-japan |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=U.S. Soccer}}</ref>
* '''Power soccer''': ** The team has been successful, winning the FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cup in 2007 and 2011, finishing runners-up in 2017, and taking third place in 2023; they maintain a strong record in Americas Cup events (perfect in recent editions).<ref>{{cite web |title=World Cup |url=https://fipfa.org/world-cup |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=FIPFA}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The History of Power Soccer |url=https://www.powersoccerusa.org/discover/history |access-date=2026-03-09 |website=Power Soccer USA}}</ref>
== Coaches and technical staff == {{updated|January 8, 2026}}<ref name="teams">{{cite web |title=All U.S. Soccer Teams |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/teams |publisher=US Soccer |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715040628/https://www.ussoccer.com/teams |url-status=live }}</ref>
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'''Men's coaches''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Level ! Name ! Since ! Ref. |- | Senior | {{Flagicon|ARG}} Mauricio Pochettino | September 2024 | <ref>{{Cite press release |date=September 10, 2024 |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/09/mauricio-pochettino-named-head-coach-us-mens-national-team|title=Mauricio Pochettino Named Head Coach of U.S. Men's National Team |publisher=U.S. Soccer |access-date=September 11, 2024|archive-date=September 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240910224129/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/09/mauricio-pochettino-named-head-coach-us-mens-national-team|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Under-23 | {{Flagicon|SRB}} Marko Mitrović | September 2023 | <ref name="auto5">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/09/marko-mitrovic-named-head-coach-u23-mynt-michael-nsien-named-head-coach-u19-mynt|title=Marko Mitrović Named Head Coach of U.S. Under-23 Men's Youth National Team and Michael Nsien Named Head Coach of U.S. Under-19 Men's Youth National Team | U.S. Soccer Official Website|website=www.ussoccer.com|access-date=September 6, 2023|archive-date=September 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906214111/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/09/marko-mitrovic-named-head-coach-u23-mynt-michael-nsien-named-head-coach-u19-mynt|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Under-20 | {{Flagicon|USA}} Rob Valentino | January 2026 | <ref name=Jan2026>{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2026 |title=Rosters Named for U-18, U-19 and U-20 Men’s National Team January Combined Domestic Training Camp in Mesa, Arizona |url=https://ussoccer.com/stories/2026/01/rosters-named-for-u-18-u-19-u-20-mens-national-team-january-combined-domestic-training-camp-mesa-arizona |access-date=January 11, 2026 |website=ussoccer.com |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |language=en}}</ref> |- | Under-19 | {{Flagicon|CRC}} Gonzalo Segares | May 2025 | <ref name=Jan2026/> |- | Under-18 | {{flagicon|USA}} Jeremy Hall | January 2026 | <ref>{{Cite web |date=January 7, 2026 |title=Former U.S. Youth National Team Player Joins Men’s Youth National Team Setup from Minnesota United FC |url=https://ussoccer.com/stories/2026/01/jeremy-hall-named-new-head-coach-of-us-under-18-mens-national-team |access-date=January 9, 2026 |website=ussoccer.com |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |language=en}}</ref> |- | Under-17 | {{flagicon|USA}} Alex Aldaz | October 2021 | <ref name=Jan2026/> |- | Under-16 | Paul Simmons | January 2026 | <ref name=Jan2026/> |- | Under-15 | {{flagicon|USA}} Ross Brady | February 2025 | <ref>{{Cite web |date=February 25, 2025 |title=Ross Brady Named Head Coach of U.S. Under-15 Boys’ National Team |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/02/ross-brady-named-head-coach-of-us-under-15-boys-national-team |access-date=March 6, 2025 |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |language=en}}</ref> |}
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'''Women's coaches''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Level ! Name ! Since ! Ref. |- | Senior | {{Flagicon|USA}} Emma Hayes | May 2024 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/08/vlatko-andonovski-departs-us-womens-national-team|title=Vlatko Andonovski Departs U.S. Women's National Team | U.S. Soccer Official Website|website=www.ussoccer.com|access-date=August 17, 2023|archive-date=August 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201736/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/08/vlatko-andonovski-departs-us-womens-national-team|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Under-23 | | | |- | Under-20 | {{Flagicon|ENG}} Vicky Jepson | May 2025 | <ref name="Vicky Jepson Named New Head Coach of U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team">{{cite web |title=Vicky Jepson Named New Head Coach of U.S. Under-20 Women's National Team |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/05/vicky-jepsen-named-new-head-coach-us-under-20-womens-national-team |website=USSoccer.com |access-date=2 May 2025}}</ref> |- | Under-19 | {{flagicon|USA}} Carrie Kveton | May 2023 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/05/carrie-kveton-named-us-u-19-womens-youth-national-team-head-coach|title=Carrie Kveton Named U.S. U-19 Women's Youth National Team Head Coach | U.S. Soccer Official Website|website=www.ussoccer.com|access-date=May 18, 2023|archive-date=August 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201746/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/05/carrie-kveton-named-us-u-19-womens-youth-national-team-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Under-18 | | | |- | Under-17 | {{flagicon|USA}} Katie Schoepfer | May 2023 | <ref name="Katie Schoepfer Transitions To U.S. Under-17 WYNT Head Coach As Ciara Crinion Named U.S. U-15 WYNT Head Coach">{{cite web |title=Katie Schoepfer Transitions To U.S. Under-17 WYNT Head Coach As Ciara Crinion Named U.S. U-15 WYNT Head Coach |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/05/katie-schoepfer-transitions-to-u-17-wynt-head-coach-as-ciara-crinion-named-u-15-wynt-head-coach |website=United States Soccer Federation |access-date=May 4, 2023 |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201827/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/05/katie-schoepfer-transitions-to-u-17-wynt-head-coach-as-ciara-crinion-named-u-15-wynt-head-coach |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Under-16 | {{flagicon|USA}} Ciara Crinion | April 2025 | <ref name="Vanessa Mann Named Head Coach for U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team">{{cite web |title=Vanessa Mann Named Head Coach for U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/04/vanessa-mann-named-head-coach-for-us-under-15-girls-national-team |website=USSoccer.com |access-date=22 April 2025}}</ref> |- | Under-15 | {{flagicon|USA}} Vanessa Mann | April 2025 | <ref name="Vanessa Mann Named Head Coach for U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team" /> |} {{col-end}}
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'''Extended teams' coaches''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Level ! Name ! Since ! Ref. |- | Men's beach | {{Flagicon|BRA}} Marcelo Mendes | December 2025 | <ref name="mendes">{{cite news |title=Marcelo Mendes Named Head Coach Of U.S. Men's Beach Soccer National Team |url=https://ussoccer.com/stories/2025/12/marcelo-mendes-named-head-coach-of-us-mens-beach-soccer-national-team |publisher=US Soccer |date=December 9, 2025 |access-date=March 9, 2026}}</ref> |- | Women's beach | {{Flagicon|USA}} Morgan Church | May 2021 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://trainatchulavista.com/2023/03/07/u-s-womens-beach-soccer-national-team-hold-an-18-player-training-camp-in-chula-vista/|title=U.S. Women's Beach Soccer National Team Hold An 18-Player Training Camp in Chula Vista|first=Nick|last=Gasparro|date=March 7, 2023|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313031330/https://trainatchulavista.com/2023/03/07/u-s-womens-beach-soccer-national-team-hold-an-18-player-training-camp-in-chula-vista/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Men's CP | {{Flagicon|SCO}} Stuart Sharp | 2014 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/17421735.stuart-sharp-gives-insight-inspiration-limitations-role-us-soccer/|title=Meet the Scottish coach at the forefront of Paralympic soccer in the United States|website=HeraldScotland|date=February 9, 2019 |access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211205165955/https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/17421735.stuart-sharp-gives-insight-inspiration-limitations-role-us-soccer/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Women's CP | {{Flagicon|USA}} Tricia Taliaferro | 2022 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tbusc.com/tbu-announces-tricia-taliaferro-as-head-coach-of-the-usl-w-league/|title=TBU Announces Tricia Taliaferro as Head Coach of the Tampa Bay United USL W Team|first=Sally|last=Dee|date=February 28, 2022|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313031328/https://tbusc.com/tbu-announces-tricia-taliaferro-as-head-coach-of-the-usl-w-league/|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Men's deaf | {{Flagicon|USA}} David Kunitz | 2011 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://okenergyfc.org/teams-coaches/coaches-directory/david-kunitz/|title=David Kunitz | Oklahoma Energy Football Club|website=okenergyfc.org|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313031326/https://okenergyfc.org/teams-coaches/coaches-directory/david-kunitz/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/03/second-annual-adapt-and-thrive-invitational-chula-vista-calif|title=Second Annual ADAPT𝘢𝘯𝘥THRIVE Invitational To Feature Five U.S. Soccer Disability National Teams In Chula Vista | U.S. Soccer Official Website|website=www.ussoccer.com|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313031328/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/03/second-annual-adapt-and-thrive-invitational-chula-vista-calif|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Women's deaf | {{Flagicon|USA}} Amy Griffin | 2017 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/united-soccer-coaches-announces-amy-griffin-as-womens-soccer-award-of-excellence-winner/|title=United Soccer Coaches Announces Amy Griffin as Women's Soccer Award of Excellence Winner | United Soccer Coaches|first=United Soccer|last=Coaches|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313031326/https://unitedsoccercoaches.org/united-soccer-coaches-announces-amy-griffin-as-womens-soccer-award-of-excellence-winner/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto2"/> |- | Men's futsal | {{Flagicon|BRA}} Hewerton Moreira | August 2023 |<ref name="Hewerton Moreira Named Head Coach Of U.S. Men’s Futsal National Team">{{cite web |title=Hewerton Moreira Named Head Coach Of U.S. Men's Futsal National Team |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/08/us-soccer-names-hewerton-moreira-head-coach-of-the-us-mens-futsal-national-team?s=08 |website=US Soccer |access-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201105/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/08/us-soccer-names-hewerton-moreira-head-coach-of-the-us-mens-futsal-national-team?s=08 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Women's futsal | {{Flagicon|BRA}} Diego Burato | January 2025 | <ref>{{Cite web |date=January 28, 2025 |title=Diego Burato Named Head Coach of U.S. Women's Futsal National Team |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/01/diego-burato-named-head-coach-of-us-womens-futsal-national-team |access-date=January 31, 2025 |publisher=USSF |language=en}}</ref> |- | Co-ed power | {{Flagicon|USA}} Tracy Mayer | October 2022 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2022/10/us-soccer-names-new-head-coach-of-us-power-soccer-nt|title=Tracy Mayer Named Head Coach Of U.S. Power Soccer National Team|website=www.ussoccer.com|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313031327/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2022/10/us-soccer-names-new-head-coach-of-us-power-soccer-nt|url-status=live}}</ref> |}
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'''Technical staff''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Level ! Name ! Since ! Ref. |- | Sporting director | {{flagicon|WAL}} Matt Crocker | April 2023 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/04/us-soccer-federation-appoints-matt-crocker-to-role-of-sporting-director|title=U.S. Soccer Federation Appoints Matt Crocker To Role Of Sporting Director | U.S. Soccer Official Website|website=www.ussoccer.com|access-date=April 25, 2023|archive-date=April 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425145653/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/04/us-soccer-federation-appoints-matt-crocker-to-role-of-sporting-director|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Vice president of sporting | {{flagicon|USA}} Oguchi Onyewu | May 2023 | <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/05/us-soccer-federation-names-oguchi-onyewu-as-vice-president-of-sporting|title=U.S. Soccer Federation Names Oguchi Onyewu As Vice President Of Sporting | U.S. Soccer Official Website|website=www.ussoccer.com|access-date=June 16, 2023|archive-date=August 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829201808/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/05/us-soccer-federation-names-oguchi-onyewu-as-vice-president-of-sporting|url-status=live}}</ref> |- | Director of extended national teams | {{Flagicon|USA}} Jim Moorhouse | | <ref name="moorhouse">{{cite news |last1=Woitalla |first1=Mike |title=Another U.S. Soccer departure: Jared Micklos, DA and YNT director, set to leave |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/83219/another-us-soccer-departure-jared-micklos-da-a.html |access-date=August 4, 2020 |publisher=Soccer America |date=August 7, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513095859/https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/83219/another-us-soccer-departure-jared-micklos-da-a.html |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Director of talent identification – boys | {{Flagicon|USA}} Garrett Biller | March 2024 | <ref name="youthtalent">{{cite news |title=Nicole Lukic and Garrett Biller named directors of talent identification in U.S. Soccer's updated structure and pathway to identify and monitor players |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/03/nicole-lukic-garrett-biller-directors-talent-id-us-soccer-updated-structure-pathway-identify-monitor |access-date=March 6, 2024 |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |date=March 6, 2024 |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307084645/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2024/03/nicole-lukic-garrett-biller-directors-talent-id-us-soccer-updated-structure-pathway-identify-monitor |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Director of talent identification – girls | {{Flagicon|USA}} Nicole Lukic | March 2024 | <ref name="youthtalent"/> |- | Director of coaching education | {{Flagicon|BEL}} Barry Pauwels | | <ref name="pauwels">{{cite news |last1=Woitalla |first1=Mike |title=Barry Pauwels on U.S. Soccer's Belgian-Dutch leadership, Raphael Wicky's expertise, and the Youth Task Force |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/84362/barry-pauwels-on-us-soccers-belgian-dutch-leade.html |access-date=August 4, 2020 |publisher=Soccer America |date=November 25, 2019}}</ref> |} {{col-end}} {{notelist}}
== Refereeing staff == {{updated|August 18, 2021}}<ref name="Resource Center Overview">{{Cite web|title=Resource Center Overview|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/referee-program/resource-center/overview|access-date=August 18, 2021|website=www.ussoccer.com|language=en|archive-date=September 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908150049/https://www.ussoccer.com/referee-program/resource-center/overview|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Referee programs staff'''
{| class="wikitable" |- ! Name ! Position |- |{{flagicon|United States}} Kelly Murphy |Director of Referee Operations |- |{{flagicon|United States}} Tyler Amorese |Referee Operations Coordinator |- |{{flagicon|United States}} Hannah Duerr |Referee Operations Coordinator |}
'''Referee development staff''' {| class="wikitable" |- ! Name ! Position |- |{{flagicon|United States}} Rick Eddy |Director of Referee Development |- |{{flagicon|United States}} Pedro Trejo |Referee Operations Coordinator |- |}
==Professional leagues== Despite the growth of men's and women's professional soccer in the United States in the last few decades, by far the largest category of soccer in the United States, at least in terms of participation, is youth soccer.{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} Though organized locally by organizations all over the United States, there are two main youth soccer organizations working nationwide through affiliated local associations. The United States Youth Soccer Association boasts over three million players between the ages of five and 19, while American Youth Soccer Organization has more than 300,000 players between the ages of four and 19. This makes soccer one of the most played sports by children in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |title=State of Play 2020 {{!}} Pre-Pandemic Trends, Ages 13–17 |url=https://projectplay.org/state-of-play-2020/ages-13-17 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |website=Project Play |language=en-US}}</ref>
===Men=== {{Update section|date=January 2025}} {{further|Major League Soccer|USL Championship|USL League One|National Independent Soccer Association|MLS Next Pro}}
The professional first-division league in North America is Major League Soccer, which as of the 2025 season has 27 teams in the U.S. and 3 in Canada. The league began an aggressive expansion in 2017, with the goal of adding at least eight clubs. That effort has resulted in the addition of the following ten clubs: Atlanta United FC (2017), Minnesota United FC (2017), Los Angeles FC (2018), FC Cincinnati (2019), Inter Miami CF (2020), Nashville SC (2020), Austin FC (2021), Charlotte FC (2022), St. Louis City SC (2023), and San Diego FC (2025). The league operates as a single-entity league, which means MLS, and not the individual teams, holds the contracts on players.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Abnos |first=Alexander |date=February 8, 2017 |title=All of MLS's crazy roster rules, in one flowchart |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/02/08/mls-roster-rules-acquisitions-flowchart-how-to-sign-players |access-date=December 3, 2023 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en-us}}</ref>
The one sanctioned second-division men's outdoor soccer league is the USL Championship (USLC). Previously, the second North American Soccer League had second-division status, sharing it with the USL in the 2017 season, but the NASL was denied second-division sanctioning for 2018 due to considerable instability in the league;<ref>{{cite web| url=http://fiftyfive.one/2017/09/us-soccer-federation-rejects-nasls-division-ii-application/| title=US Soccer Federation Rejects NASL's Division II Application| date=September 5, 2017| access-date=January 24, 2018| archive-date=February 8, 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208063500/http://fiftyfive.one/2017/09/us-soccer-federation-rejects-nasls-division-ii-application/| url-status=live}}</ref> the league effectively folded at that time.
The USLC was sanctioned as the United States' lone Division II men's outdoor soccer league in 2018. Formed in 2010 as a result of the merger of the former USL First Division and USL Second Division, the USL Championship was sanctioned as Division III league from 2011 to 2016 before becoming provisionally sanctioned as a Division II league for 2017,<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/01/06/us-soccer-division-two-sanctioning-usl-nasl |title=U.S. Soccer grants provisional division two sanctioning to both NASL, USL |last=Straus |first=Brian |date=January 6, 2017 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 28, 2017 |archive-date=December 14, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214202050/https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2017/01/06/us-soccer-division-two-sanctioning-usl-nasl |url-status=live }}</ref> and receiving full Division II sanctioning in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-us-soccer-grants-usl-2nd-division-status-20180117-story.html |title=US Soccer grants USL 2nd-division status |work=Chicago Tribune |date=January 17, 2018 |access-date=March 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 3, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403134005/https://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-us-soccer-grants-usl-2nd-division-status-20180117-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
The USL Championship has expanded almost threefold since its first season in 2011 to include 35 teams in the 2020 season, with the league divided into two conferences, Eastern and Western. The USLC is the world's largest Division II professional league by number of teams. Since 2014, the valuation of USL Championship clubs has increased fivefold. In revenue, 2018 Championship clubs saw a 28% increase over 2017 numbers on an average of ticketing, sponsorship, merchandise, and ancillary revenue generation.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}
The USLC also holds a broadcast agreement with ESPN that sees 20 regular season games televised nationally on ESPN2, ESPNews and ESPN Deportes<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1044596-usl-reaches-new-rights-agreement-with-espn-espn-|title=USL Reaches New Rights Agreement with ESPN, ESPN+|author=USLSoccer com Staff|date=August 27, 2019|website=United Soccer League|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106163756/https://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/1044596-usl-reaches-new-rights-agreement-with-espn-espn-|url-status=live}}</ref> in addition to national broadcast of the USL Championship Final, which in 2019 was aired on both ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. The league's remaining regular season games are broadcast nationally on ESPN+, with 22 of the Championship's clubs also holding local broadcast agreements. The USL Championship's broadcast agreement was made possible in large part by a major investment by USL with league technology partner Vista Worldlink<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/751106-vista-usl-productions-form-cutting-edge-initiative|title=VISTA, USL Productions Form Cutting-Edge Initiative|first=Nicholas |last=Murray |date=January 29, 2017|website=USL Championship|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=November 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106165258/https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/751106-vista-usl-productions-form-cutting-edge-initiative|url-status=live}}</ref> to establish a USL Broadcast Center out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sportsvideo.org/2017/04/21/vista-worldlink-goes-all-in-on-at-home-production-with-overhauled-facility/|title=Vista Worldlink Goes All-In on At-Home Production With Overhauled Facility|first=Jason |last=Dachman |website=Sports Video Group|date=April 21, 2017 |access-date=March 15, 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210505220448/https://www.sportsvideo.org/2017/04/21/vista-worldlink-goes-all-in-on-at-home-production-with-overhauled-facility/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The second NASL had no official tie to the former NASL that operated from 1968 to 1984, although some of the teams shared names with their historic counterparts. Unlike MLS, which is a single-entity operation, the second NASL, like the old NASL, had no salary cap, and players were contracted by the individual teams.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.nasl.com/media-guide/2011/Media%20Guide_Final_11-07-2011_book.pdf | title=NASL 2011 Media Guide | date=November 7, 2011 | access-date=April 29, 2015 | archive-date=July 1, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701054818/http://www.nasl.com/media-guide/2011/Media%20Guide_Final_11-07-2011_book.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> The season was a split format (similar to that of many leagues in Latin America) that features seven teams, including one Puerto Rican team. Previous to the reorganization of the NASL in 2009, the USL First Division operated as the professional second-division league in the United States. However, a dispute among its teams and ownership led to the creation of the NASL, which was awarded second division status by the USSF. The 2010 season was played as a combined USL/NASL league format before the NASL officially separated in 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thesoccerroom.com/?p=25480 |title=FC Edmonton wins first-ever NASL game |publisher=The Soccer Room |date=April 10, 2011 |access-date=October 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111113090308/http://thesoccerroom.com/?p=25480 |archive-date=November 13, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
USL League One is sanctioned at the Men's Division III level. In March 2017, United Soccer League, administrator of the USL Championship and USL League Two, [https://www.si.com/soccer/2017/03/30/usl-division-three-us-soccer-league-2019 announced following the successful sanctioning of the USL Championship as a Division II league it would start a new tier in its professional structure], which became USL League One, and seek Division III certification for the 2019 season.<ref>{{cite news |title=USL to Launch Third-Division League in 2019 |url=http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/775757-usl-to-launch-third-division-league-in-2019 |date=April 2, 2013 |work=United Soccer Leagues |access-date=November 28, 2017 |archive-date=July 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729223858/http://www.uslsoccer.com/news_article/show/775757-usl-to-launch-third-division-league-in-2019 |url-status=live }}. See also [http://www.usld3.com/about USLD3.com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102211602/http://www.usld3.com/about |date=November 2, 2017 }}.</ref> The league received sanctioning in December 2018 and conducted a successful first season in 2019 that saw 10 teams compete in a single-table format and North Texas SC claim its inaugural league title. The seven independent clubs averaged 2,496 fans per match in 2019, placing League One in the top three of Division III leagues globally, and the league has expanded to include 12 teams for its second season in 2020, with further expansion expected before the 2021 season.
National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), led by former Chicago Fire general manager Peter Wilt plans on fielding 8–10 teams in 2018 and has stated that it will seek third-division certification.<ref name="NISA1">{{cite news|title=EXCLUSIVE: The National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) – A New Division III Professional Soccer League Expects to Launch in 2018|url=http://www.nisaofficial.com/2017/06/06/exclusive-the-national-independent-soccer-association-nisa-a-new-division-iii-professional-soccer-league-expects-to-launch-in-2018/|access-date=June 19, 2017|work=NISA|date=June 6, 2017|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404235843/http://www.nisaofficial.com/2017/06/06/exclusive-the-national-independent-soccer-association-nisa-a-new-division-iii-professional-soccer-league-expects-to-launch-in-2018/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A fourth-division league in the United States is the USL League Two, which, as of 2015, is expected to have 58 U.S. teams and six Canadian teams. Though League Two does have some paid players, it also has many teams that are made up entirely or almost entirely of college soccer players who use the league as an opportunity to play competitive soccer in front of professional scouts during the summer, while retaining amateur status and NCAA eligibility. Other fourth-division leagues in the United States are the United Premier Soccer League, National Premier Soccer League and Ligas Unidas.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}
In addition to MLS and the USL, the United States Adult Soccer Association governs amateur soccer competition for adults throughout the United States, which is effectively the amateur fifth division of soccer in the United States. The USASA sanctions regional tournaments that allow entry into the U.S. Open Cup, the oldest continuous national soccer competition in the United States. Since 1914, the competition has been open to all U.S. Soccer affiliated clubs, and currently pits teams from all five levels of the American soccer pyramid against each other each year, similarly to England's FA Cup.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rueter |first=Jeff |title=U.S. Open Cup explained: How to watch, tournament history and who's left |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4795121/2023/08/22/us-open-cup-history-broadcast-messi/ |access-date=December 6, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=August 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824030057/https://theathletic.com/4795121/2023/08/22/us-open-cup-history-broadcast-messi/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Women=== {{further|Women's soccer in the United States|United States women's national soccer team|National Women's Soccer League}} {{Update section|date=December 2024}}
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) is the professional, top-division league in North America and as of 2024, is composed of 14 teams based in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |title=NWSL teams |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/teams/index |access-date=18 July 2024 |website=National Women's Soccer League |publisher=MLS}}</ref> Two professional, top-division leagues preceded the NWSL: the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), which featured many players from the 1999 FIFA Women's Cup-winning team (as well as other national teams), ran from 2001 to 2003 and Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) ran from 2009 to 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gabarra: The dreams of WUSA and WPS are the reality of NWSL |date=April 15, 2016 |url=https://washingtonspirit.com/2016/04/15/gabarra-the-dreams-of-wusa-and-wps-are-the-reality-of-nwsl/ |publisher=Washington Spirit |access-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-date=August 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818122854/https://washingtonspirit.com/2016/04/15/gabarra-the-dreams-of-wusa-and-wps-are-the-reality-of-nwsl/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Two second-division leagues currently exist: United Women's Soccer began play in May 2016 and as of 2020 features 30 teams in five conferences<ref name="Mass Live">{{cite news |title=United Women's Soccer unveils West Conference teams |url=https://www.masslive.com/sports/2016/02/united_womens_soccer_unveils_w.html |access-date=July 31, 2020 |work=Mass Live |archive-date=April 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404171756/https://www.masslive.com/sports/2016/02/united_womens_soccer_unveils_w.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), started in 1997, features over 115 teams across the United States and Canada (the largest women's soccer league in the world as of 2020).<ref name="auto">{{cite web |title=2020 INFORMATION & FAQS |url=https://www.wpslsoccer.com/info-faqs |publisher=WPSL |access-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521105407/https://www.wpslsoccer.com/info-faqs |url-status=live }}</ref> Previously, the USL W-League was a semi-professional league that ran from 1995 to 2015 and featured a mix of college students and international players.<ref name="Equalizer Soccer">{{cite news |last1=Kassouf |first1=Jeff |title=USL W-League, once top flight, folds after 21 seasons |url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2015/11/06/usl-w-league-folds-21-seasons/ |access-date=July 31, 2020 |work=Equalizer Soccer |date=November 6, 2015 |archive-date=August 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815142739/https://equalizersoccer.com/2015/11/06/usl-w-league-folds-21-seasons/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
====First division ====
=====National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), 2013–present===== {{main|National Women's Soccer League}}
[[File:Portland Thorns FC players (16497728163).jpg|240px|thumb|right|Portland Thorns players before a match, April 2015]] On November 21, 2012, U.S. Soccer, in conjunction with the Canadian Soccer Association (CSA) and Mexican Football Federation (FMF), announced the formation of a new professional league for the 2013 season.<ref name="2013 women's league">{{cite press release |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Womens-National-Team/2012/11/US-Soccer-President-Sunil-Gulati-Announces-New-Womens-League-for-2013.aspx |title=U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati Announces New Women's League to Begin Play in Spring of 2013 |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101173733/http://www.ussoccer.com/News/Womens-National-Team/2012/11/US-Soccer-President-Sunil-Gulati-Announces-New-Womens-League-for-2013.aspx |archive-date=January 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The league, unnamed at the time of the initial announcement but later unveiled as the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), launched in April 2013 with eight teams.<ref name="2013 women's league"/> Like WUSA and WPS, NWSL teams are privately owned, with some owned by existing MLS teams.<ref name=Carlisle>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/661?cc=5901|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121128075504/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/661?cc=5901|archive-date=November 28, 2012 |title=Hopes high for new women's soccer league |first=Jeff |last=Carlisle |series=Soccer USA blog|work=ESPN FC |date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=December 8, 2012}}</ref> The American and Canadian federations pay the salaries for many of their respective national team members. U.S. Soccer initially committed to funding up to 24 national team members, with the CSA committing to paying 16 players and FMF pledging support for at least 12 and possibly as many as 16.<ref name=Carlisle/><ref name="AP women's league">{{cite news |url=http://espn.go.com/espnw/8659715/new-us-women-eight-team-soccer-league-launched |title=New soccer league to feature 8 teams |agency=Associated Press |publisher=espnW |date=November 21, 2012 |access-date=December 4, 2012 |archive-date=December 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203233933/http://espn.go.com/espnw/8659715/new-us-women-eight-team-soccer-league-launched |url-status=dead }}</ref> In addition, U.S. Soccer housed the league's front office for the first four years, and scheduled matches to avoid any possible conflict with international tournaments.<ref name=Carlisle/> Four of the league's charter teams had WPS ties—the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, and the Western New York Flash. The other four initial teams were located in the Kansas City, Portland, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. markets with the Portland team run by the Portland Timbers of MLS.<ref name=Carlisle/> The NWSL expanded to nine teams for 2014 by adding the Houston Dash, run by the Houston Dynamo of MLS. In 2016, it expanded to 10 with the addition of another MLS-backed team, the Orlando Pride. Ahead of the 2017 season, A&E Networks announced it had taken an equity stake in the league and Lifetime would begin broadcasting games to a national television audience.<ref name="variety_2017">{{cite web|title=A+E Networks, National Women's Soccer League Ink Major Deal|url=https://variety.com/2017/tv/news/womens-soccer-lifetime-1201975617/|work=Variety|date=February 2, 2017 |access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203162044/http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/womens-soccer-lifetime-1201975617/|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2017}}, additional expansion teams were being discussed by Los Angeles FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and FC Barcelona,<ref>{{cite web|title=Spanish soccer giant Barcelona expands into U.S. market|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-barcelona-20160907-snap-story.html|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=June 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604111033/http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-barcelona-20160907-snap-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NWSL expansion a priority in Los Angeles, says commissioner|date=January 13, 2017 |url=http://www.angelsonparade.com/2017/1/13/14258572/nwsl-expansion-priority-los-angeles-says-commissioner|publisher=Angels on Parade|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=May 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523060905/http://www.angelsonparade.com/2017/1/13/14258572/nwsl-expansion-priority-los-angeles-says-commissioner|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sources: With Mia Hamm's influence, LAFC set for NWSL expansion|url=http://www.soccerwire.com/news/sources-with-mia-hamms-influence-lafc-set-for-nwsl-expansion/?loc=nc|publisher=Soccer Wire|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=December 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210215703/http://www.soccerwire.com/news/sources-with-mia-hamms-influence-lafc-set-for-nwsl-expansion/?loc=nc|url-status=live}}</ref> but none of these have yet materialized.
Several league changes occurred in advance of the 2017 season. First, FMF and U.S. Soccer amicably ended their partnership following FMF's establishment of its own women's professional league, Liga MX Femenil. The Western New York Flash ceased fully professional operations (though retaining its youth and, for a time, semi-pro operations), selling its NWSL franchise rights to Steve Malik, owner of then-NASL and current USLC side North Carolina FC. Malik relocated the NWSL team to NCFC's home of the Research Triangle and rebranded it as the North Carolina Courage. Both the Boston Breakers and FC Kansas City folded, with FCKC's player contracts transferred to Utah Royals FC, a new side owned and operated by Real Salt Lake.
The Seattle franchise went through two major changes in subsequent years. First, the team moved from Seattle to Tacoma and rebranded as Reign FC before the 2019 season. Then, in January 2020, the team was purchased by the parent company of French Ligue 1 power Olympique Lyonnais and rebranded again as OL Reign.
The league's next expansion was announced in November 2019, with a Louisville franchise granted to the ownership group of USLC side Louisville City FC, The Louisville side, which began play as Racing Louisville FC in 2021, is the first NWSL team whose entry into the league was announced more than 5 months before it started play.
=====Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), 2009–2011===== [[File:Breakersteam2009.jpg|240px|thumb|right|Boston Breakers squad featuring Kristine Lilly before a match, 2009]] {{main|Women's Professional Soccer}}
The second professional league, Women's Professional Soccer (WPS), was founded in 2009. The inaugural season champion was Sky Blue FC, based in the New York–New Jersey area. The team defeated the Los Angeles Sol 1–0 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. The WPS launched with seven teams, all based in the United States. The Sol folded after the league's inaugural season, and two new teams joined for 2010, bringing WPS to eight teams. However, the 2010 season saw considerable instability, with another charter team, Saint Louis Athletica, folding during the season, champions FC Gold Pride folding after the season, and the Chicago Red Stars deciding to regroup in the second-tier Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL). The 2011 season, in which six teams based along the East Coast played, was marked by low attendance for most of the season and conflict with Dan Borislow, who had purchased the former Washington Freedom, moved the team to South Florida, and renamed it magicJack. The dispute between WPS and Borislow led the league to suspend the magicJack franchise, with Borislow responding by suing. The legal battle led WPS to suspend its 2012 season, with hopes of returning in 2013, but WPS soon decided to fold completely.
=====Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA), 2001–2003===== {{main|Women's United Soccer Association}}
The Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) was founded in 2001. Headlined by the stars of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup-winning team, $30 million was initially invested by numerous cable TV networks and owners.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Womens United Soccer Association|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2000/04/29/wusa_main/|magazine=Sports Illustrated|access-date=June 11, 2017|archive-date=October 21, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021135710/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2000/04/29/wusa_main/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The league's inaugural match was held between the Washington Freedom featuring Mia Hamm and the Bay Area CyberRays (featuring Brandi Chastain) at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. In addition to the 34,148 fans in attendance being greater than any MLS game that weekend, the Turner Network Television (TNT) broadcast reached 393,087 households: more than two MLS games broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2.<ref name=grainey_book>{{cite book|last=Grainey|first=Timothy F.|title=Beyond it Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer|year=2012|publisher=University of Nebraska Press|isbn=978-0-8032-4036-0}}</ref> The league folded in 2003.
====Second division====
===== United Women's Soccer (UWS), 2016-present ===== United Women's Soccer (UWS) began play in May 2016 and as of 2020 features 30 teams in five conferences across the United States.<ref name="Mass Live"/>
=====Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), 1997–present ===== Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL), started in 1997, features over 115 teams across the United States and Canada (the largest women's soccer league in the world as of 2020).<ref name="auto"/>
===== USL W League, 1995–2015, 2022–present ===== The USL W-League was a semi-professional league that ran from 1995 to 2015 and featured a mix of college students and international players.<ref name="Equalizer Soccer"/> A second pre-professional league named the USL W League began play in May 2022 with 44 teams organized into seven regional divisions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yang |first=Steph |date=March 21, 2022 |title=In its first season, USL's W League positioned to be a grassroots component of U.S. women's soccer |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3200131/2022/03/21/in-its-first-season-usls-w-league-positioned-to-be-a-grassroots-component-of-u-s-womens-soccer/ |work=The Athletic |url-access=subscription |access-date=December 30, 2023 |archive-date=December 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231054317/https://theathletic.com/3200131/2022/03/21/in-its-first-season-usls-w-league-positioned-to-be-a-grassroots-component-of-u-s-womens-soccer/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
USL also plans to launch a professional league, the USL Super League, in 2024 with an application for first-division sanctioning.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Andres |first=Patrick |date=May 17, 2023 |title=New Professional Women's Soccer League Aims to Begin Play in 2024 |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2023/05/18/new-womens-soccer-league-announces-markets-for-2024 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |accessdate=December 30, 2023}}</ref>
==Controversies==
===Concussions=== In 2014, parents and former players filed a class action lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation, FIFA, and other soccer organizations for failure to create policies that would prevent, evaluate, and manage concussion injuries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2014/08/27/class-action-concussion-lawsuit-filed-against-fifa-and-u-s-soccer-associations/|title=Class Action Concussion Lawsuit Filed Against FIFA And U.S. Soccer Associations|first=Darren|last=Heitner|website=Forbes|access-date=September 17, 2017|archive-date=November 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111095541/https://www.forbes.com/sites/darrenheitner/2014/08/27/class-action-concussion-lawsuit-filed-against-fifa-and-u-s-soccer-associations/|url-status=live}}</ref> Soccer is second only to American football in the number of concussion injuries per year.<ref>{{cite journal | pmc = 2140075 | pmid=18174937 | volume=42 | issue=4 | title=Concussions among United States high school and collegiate athletes | journal=J Athl Train | pages=495–503 | last1 = Gessel | first1 = LM | last2 = Fields | first2 = SK | last3 = Collins | first3 = CL | last4 = Dick | first4 = RW | last5 = Comstock | first5 = RD| year=2007 }}</ref>
===MLS relationship=== The USSF has been accused by representatives of the North American Soccer League, among others, of unfairly protecting MLS's leading role in American professional soccer. Among their concerns is that the USSF benefits from financial dealings with MLS that it does not have with other leagues, giving it an apparent incentive to protect MLS from competition.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/soccer/mls-rival-accuses-league-violating-antitrust-laws-article-1.2343893 |title=MLS rival accuses league of violating antitrust laws |first=Nathaniel |last=Vinton |work=Daily News |location=New York |date=August 31, 2015 |access-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-date=January 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131050447/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/soccer/mls-rival-accuses-league-violating-antitrust-laws-article-1.2343893 |url-status=live }}</ref> This includes the contract that the USSF has with MLS's Soccer United Marketing (SUM) subsidiary in which most USSF sponsorship, television licensing and royalty revenues (outside of its apparel deal with Nike, Inc.) are paid through SUM. The USSF reported $15,433,754 in revenues through the SUM relationship in its 2014 audited financial report.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/~/media/files/federation-services/financial/us-soccer-federation-fy2015-audited-financial-statements-final.pdf?la=en |title=United States Soccer Federation, Inc. Financial Statements, Years Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=September 24, 2015 |access-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306211021/http://www.ussoccer.com/~/media/files/federation-services/financial/us-soccer-federation-fy2015-audited-financial-statements-final.pdf?la=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2015, the NASL took issue with proposed USSF rule changes reportedly making it harder to gain co-equal "Division 1" status with MLS that would increase the NASL's influence within the USSF as well as presumably allow more access to international competition and larger media and sponsorship contracts, calling the draft proposal "...an anti-competitive bait and switch, to entrench MLS's monopoly position at the very time when the NASL is threatening to become a significant competitor."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/6ef8ed4e-5002-11e5-8642-453585f2cfcd |title=League cries foul at US Soccer Federation's new rules |first=Kara |last=Scannell |work=Financial Times |date=August 31, 2015 |access-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-date=December 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151204141307/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6ef8ed4e-5002-11e5-8642-453585f2cfcd.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Seats on the USSF's Professional Council governing committee are also based proportionally on pyramid level, giving MLS more votes when choosing the two professional league representatives on the USSF's board of directors. In 2015, those representatives were MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Alec Papadakis, CEO of the United Soccer League, who announced an affiliation with MLS in 2015.
===International competitiveness=== High-profile international soccer figures including former USMNT Head Coach Jürgen Klinsmann,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/team/united-states/660/blog/post/2145959/jurgen-klinsmann-firm-on-young-player-advice-as-mls-frustration-grows |title=Jurgen Klinsmann firm on young player advice as MLS frustration grows |first=Jeff |last=Carlisle |publisher=ESPN FC |date=November 14, 2014 |access-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-date=February 9, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160209230504/http://www.espnfc.us/team/united-states/660/blog/post/2145959/jurgen-klinsmann-firm-on-young-player-advice-as-mls-frustration-grows |url-status=live }}</ref> former LA Galaxy head coach and USMNT Head Coach Bruce Arena<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oneworldsports.com/stories/bruce-arena-usmnt-were-not-there-yet |title=BRUCE ARENA ON USMNT: 'WE'RE NOT THERE YET' |first=Frank |last=Dell'Apa |publisher=One World Sports |date=June 3, 2015 |access-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-date=June 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150613044210/http://www.oneworldsports.com/stories/bruce-arena-usmnt-were-not-there-yet |url-status=live }}</ref> and Manchester City coach and former FIFA World Coach of the Year Pep Guardiola,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2014/07/22/bayern-munich-manager-pep-guardiola-says-focus-us-soccer-should-be-coaching-and |title=Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola says focus of US soccer should be on coaching and academies |first=Simon |last=Borg |publisher=MLSSoccer.com |date=July 22, 2014 |access-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-date=November 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113175446/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2014/07/22/bayern-munich-manager-pep-guardiola-says-focus-us-soccer-should-be-coaching-and |url-status=live }}</ref> have expressed beliefs that the top-down structure of soccer developed and managed by the USSF in the United States, including pressure to have the best American players in MLS rather than higher-quality leagues in other countries, is hampering the nation's competitiveness in international soccer.
Conversely, Klinsmann has been criticized in turn by MLS representatives for recommending that American players leave MLS development systems to pursue professional careers in Europe in order to test themselves against higher levels of players in preparation for international competition. In 2015, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, "I do believe our national team coach has a short-term objective. That's what he's hired to do. That doesn't mean next week, but it's to win the Gold Cup, it's to have the best possible team in 2018. And our goals and objectives are broader than that, and that's why we agree on some things but don't agree on others."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/2415933/garber-mls-want-usmnt-stars-despite-klinsmann-objections |title=Garber: MLS to pursue USMNT stars despite Klinsmann objections |publisher=ESPN FC |date=April 24, 2015 |access-date=December 29, 2015 |archive-date=December 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213204328/http://www.espnfc.us/major-league-soccer/story/2415933/garber-mls-want-usmnt-stars-despite-klinsmann-objections |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Women's national team lawsuit=== On March 8, 2019, all members of the U.S. women's national team collectively filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation in a district court in Los Angeles. The lawsuit was filed due to claims that the athletes were being treated differently based on gender, affecting their paychecks, the facilities they were offered, and the medical treatment they received.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Das |first1=Andrew |title=U.S. Women's Soccer Team Sues U.S. Soccer for Gender Discrimination |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/08/sports/womens-soccer-team-lawsuit-gender-discrimination.html |work=The New York Times |date=March 8, 2019 |access-date=March 8, 2019 |archive-date=March 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308163959/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/08/sports/womens-soccer-team-lawsuit-gender-discrimination.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Women on the team have previously filed complaints about pay disparity, including in 2016 when five members of the women's team filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/data-how-does-the-u-s-womens-soccer-team-pay-compare-to-the-men|title=Data: How does the U.S. women's soccer team pay compare to the men?|date=March 31, 2016|website=PBS NewsHour|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308230359/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/data-how-does-the-u-s-womens-soccer-team-pay-compare-to-the-men|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/five-top-female-players-sue-u-s-soccer-over-unequal-pay|title=Five top female players sue U.S. Soccer over unequal pay|date=March 31, 2016|website=PBS NewsHour|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=March 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190310062833/https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/five-top-female-players-sue-u-s-soccer-over-unequal-pay|url-status=live}}</ref>
On May 1, 2020, the district court dismissed the team's unequal and discriminatory pay claim, however, preserving the players' claims about unequal treatment in areas like travel, hotel accommodations, and team staffing. A trial on those issues is scheduled to begin June 16.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Clarke |first1=Liz |title=Judge rules against U.S. women's national soccer team in equal pay lawsuit |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/01/judge-rules-against-us-womens-national-soccer-team-equal-pay-lawsuit/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-date=May 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502081811/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/01/judge-rules-against-us-womens-national-soccer-team-equal-pay-lawsuit/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Judge R. Gary Klausner of the United States District Court for the Central District of California, granted the federation's motion for summary judgment. In his ruling, he dismissed the players' arguments that they were systematically underpaid by U.S. Soccer in comparison with the men's national team. According to Klausner, U.S. Soccer had substantiated its argument that the women's team had actually earned more "on both a cumulative and an average per-game basis" than the men's team during the years at issue in the lawsuit.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Das |first1=Andrew |title=U.S. Women's Soccer Team's Equal Pay Demands Are Dismissed by Judge |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/01/sports/soccer/uswnt-equal-pay.html |work=The New York Times |date=May 2020 |access-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501235053/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/01/sports/soccer/uswnt-equal-pay.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On February 22, 2022, the U.S. Soccer Federation agreed to settle the lawsuit for $24 million, with a proposed $22 million going to the players in the case and an additional $2 million to benefit USWNT players' post-career goals and also charitable efforts related to women's soccer. The settlement also requires both male and female soccer players to be paid equally for friendlies, and tournaments, including the World Cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/us-soccer-women-soccer-stars-settle-equal-pay-lawsuit-24-million-rcna17138|title=U.S. Soccer and women soccer stars settle equal pay lawsuit for $24 million|first=Marlene|last=Lenthang|publisher=NBC News|date=February 22, 2022|access-date=February 22, 2022|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222175454/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/us-soccer-women-soccer-stars-settle-equal-pay-lawsuit-24-million-rcna17138|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-women-soccer-equal-pay-11645504654|title=U.S. Women's Soccer Players, U.S. Soccer Federation Reach $24 Million Equal Pay Settlement|first=Rachael|last=Bachman|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=February 22, 2022|access-date=February 22, 2022|archive-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222174842/https://www.wsj.com/articles/us-women-soccer-equal-pay-11645504654|url-status=live}}</ref>
U.S. Soccer became the first national governing body for the sport in the world to equalize World Cup prize money for its men's and women's teams. FIFA still distributes significantly more funds to its member associations for the men's event.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/sources-u-s-mens-olympic-soccer-team-wont-paid-paris-games | title=Sources: U.S. Men's Olympic soccer team won't be paid at Paris Games | access-date=July 2, 2024 | archive-date=July 2, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240702104251/https://www.foxsports.com/stories/soccer/sources-u-s-mens-olympic-soccer-team-wont-paid-paris-games | url-status=live }}</ref>
==Reports==
===Garcia Report=== {{main|Garcia Report}}
On July 17, 2012, in the wake of announced anti-corruption reforms by Sepp Blatter, the president of the world soccer governing body FIFA,<ref name=GuardJul12>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/17/fifa-michael-j-garcia-football-corruption|title=Fifa appoints Michael J Garcia to investigate football corruption|agency=Associated Press|date=July 17, 2012|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012150745/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/jul/17/fifa-michael-j-garcia-football-corruption|url-status=live}}</ref> the organization appointed U.S. lawyer Michael J. Garcia as the chairman of the investigative chamber of FIFA Ethics Committee, while German judge Hans-Joachim Eckert was appointed as the chairman of the Ethics Committee's adjudication chamber.<ref name=CNNJul12>{{cite web|title=FIFA unveils new crime fighting duo to tackle corruption in soccer|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/17/sport/football/football-fifa-ethics-corruption/|publisher=CNN|date=July 17, 2012|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=March 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313175508/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/17/sport/football/football-fifa-ethics-corruption/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2012, Garcia declared his intention to investigate the bidding process and decision to respectively award the right to host the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup to Russia and Qatar by the FIFA Executive Committee.<ref>{{cite news |date=August 26, 2012 |title=FIFA to look into World Cup winning bids |url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-27/fifa-to-look-into-world-cup-winning-bids/4224368 |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313175509/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-08-27/fifa-to-look-into-world-cup-winning-bids/4224368 |url-status=live }}</ref> Garcia delivered his subsequent 350-page report in September 2014, and Eckert then announced that it would not be made public for legal reasons.<ref name=GuardSep14>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/24/michael-garcia-fifa-investigation-public-world-cup|title=FIFA prosecutor Michael Garcia calls for World Cup report to be made public|work=The Guardian|date=September 24, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2023|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402033655/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/sep/24/michael-garcia-fifa-investigation-public-world-cup|url-status=live}}</ref>
On November 13, 2014, Eckert released a 42-page summary of his findings after reviewing Garcia's report. The summary cleared both Russia and Qatar of any wrongdoing during the bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups,<ref name=WhatNow>{{cite news |date=November 13, 2014 |title=FIFA corruption report: Who is to blame and what happens now? |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30042309 |agency=BBC |access-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-date=November 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141114221017/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30042309 |url-status=live }}</ref> leaving Russia and Qatar free to stage their respective World Cups.<ref name=APfire>{{cite news|date=November 13, 2014 |title=FIFA under fire after report on Qatar, Russia |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4de5fea12fc44b86bd7221bb429f360f/fifa-clears-russia-and-qatar-host-world-cup |agency=Associated Press |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141116023958/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/4de5fea12fc44b86bd7221bb429f360f/fifa-clears-russia-and-qatar-host-world-cup |archive-date=November 16, 2014 }}</ref>
FIFA welcomed "the fact that a degree of closure has been reached," while the Associated Press wrote that the Eckert summary "was denounced by critics as a whitewash."<ref name=APfire/> Hours after the Eckert summary was released, Garcia himself criticized it for being "materially incomplete" with "erroneous representations of the facts and conclusions," while declaring his intention to appeal to FIFA's Appeal Committee.<ref name=WhatNow/> On December 16, 2014, FIFA's Appeal Committee dismissed Garcia's appeal against the Eckert summary as "not admissible." FIFA also stated that Eckert's summary was "neither legally binding nor appealable."<ref>{{cite news |date=December 16, 2014 |title=FIFA dismisses complaint from lawyer Michael Garcia over report |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30491135 |agency=BBC |access-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924214922/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30491135 |url-status=live }}</ref> A day later, Garcia resigned from his role as FIFA ethics investigator in protest of FIFA's conduct, citing a "lack of leadership" and lost confidence in the independence of Eckert from FIFA.<ref>{{cite news |date=December 17, 2014 |title=Michael Garcia: FIFA investigator resigns in World Cup report row |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30522170 |agency=BBC |access-date=March 13, 2023 |archive-date=January 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115222149/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30522170 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In June 2015, Swiss authorities claimed the report was of "little value".<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-fifa-garcia-idUSKBN0P322B20150623 "Exclusive: Swiss authorities probing FIFA say Garcia report of little help – source"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313175507/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-fifa-garcia-idUSKBN0P322B20150623 |date=March 13, 2023 }}, Mark Hosenball, David Ingram. Reuters. June 23, 2015. Retrieved 14 May 2017</ref>
===Yates Report=== On October 3, 2022, the U.S. Soccer Federation publicly released the 173-page ''Yates Report'', officially titled ''Report of the Independent Investigation to the U.S. Soccer Federation Concerning Allegations of Abusive Behavior and Sexual Misconduct in Women's Professional Soccer'', the official report documenting the findings and conclusions concerning abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women's professional soccer. The report is named for Sally Yates, the lawyer who led the investigation, a former Acting United States Attorney General.<ref name="autoyates">Sally Yates. [https://www.kslaw.com/attachments/000/009/931/original/King___Spalding_-_Full_Report_to_USSF.pdf?1664809048 ''Report of the Independent Investigation to the U.S. Soccer Federation Concerning Allegations of Abusive Behavior and Sexual Misconduct in Women’s Professional Soccer,''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221021033412/https://www.kslaw.com/attachments/000/009/931/original/King___Spalding_-_Full_Report_to_USSF.pdf?1664809048 |date=October 21, 2022 }} October 3, 2022.</ref>
==Leadership==
===Current Board=== ''{{As of|2024|3|8|df=US}}''<ref name="ussf_board">{{cite web |title=Board of Directors |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/board-of-directors |publisher=U.S. Soccer Federation |access-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-date=April 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419060403/https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/board-of-directors/about |url-status=live }}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |+ Board of Directors |- ! Role !! Member |- | President || Cindy Parlow Cone <small>(former national team player and NWSL coach, USSF executive)</small><ref>{{cite web |title=US Soccer President: Cindy Parlow Cone |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/board-of-directors/us-soccer-president-cindy-parlow-cone |publisher=US Soccer Federation |access-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-date=November 12, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112200736/https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/board-of-directors/us-soccer-president-cindy-parlow-cone |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | Chief Executive Officer || JT Batson |- | Vice President || Nathán Goldberg Crenier |- | Immediate Past President (non-voting) || Carlos Cordeiro <small>(former Goldman Sachs executive; abruptly resigned as USSF President March 2020)<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Why U.S. Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro Had to Resign After Disgraceful Defense in USWNT Case |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/03/12/carlos-cordeiro-must-resign-us-soccer-president |access-date=July 31, 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=March 12, 2020 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020130642/https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/03/12/carlos-cordeiro-must-resign-us-soccer-president |url-status=live }}</ref></small> |- | Athlete Representatives || Chris Ahrens <small>(paralympian national team player)</small><br /> Nelson Akwari <small>(former MLS and USL player)</small><ref>{{cite web |title=Sources: Bocanegra pulls name from consideration from U.S. GM role |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/sources-bocanegra-pulls-name-from-consideration-from-us-gm/1pq9pbwj3hhwt1j0inr95g6voq |publisher=Goal.com |access-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032241/https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/sources-bocanegra-pulls-name-from-consideration-from-us-gm/1pq9pbwj3hhwt1j0inr95g6voq |url-status=live }}</ref><br /> Sean Boyle <small>(paralympian national team player)</small><br /> Lori Lindsey (<small>former national team, WPS, and NWSL player; current NWSL, MLS, USL broadcast analyst)</small><ref name="Episode 8: Lori Lindsey">{{cite web |title=Episode 8: Lori Lindsey |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/06/the-us-soccer-podcast-episode-8-lori-lindsey |publisher=US Soccer Federation |access-date=August 1, 2020 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806200329/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/06/the-us-soccer-podcast-episode-8-lori-lindsey |url-status=live }}</ref><br /> Danielle Slaton (<small>former national team, WPS, and NWSL player)</small> Whitney Engen (<small>former national team and NWSL player)</small> Cassidy Leake |- | Pro Council Representatives || Jessica Berman <small>(NWSL Commissioner)</small><br /> Don Garber <small>(MLS Commissioner and CEO of Soccer United Marketing)</small><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Wahl |first1=Grant |title=Soccer United Marketing Fact/Fiction: Garber Opens Up on SUM's Role in U.S. Soccer, MLS |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/25/sum-soccer-united-marketing-garber-gulati-carter |access-date=August 1, 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=January 25, 2018 |archive-date=July 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200719200525/https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/01/25/sum-soccer-united-marketing-garber-gulati-carter |url-status=live }}</ref><br /> Amanda Vandervort <small>(President of USL Super League)</small><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/board-of-directors/about#vandervort |title=PRO COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |access-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308210044/https://www.ussoccer.com/governance/board-of-directors/about#vandervort |url-status=live }}</ref><br /> |- | Adult Council Representatives || Fritz Marth <small>(Vice President of United States Adult Soccer Association)</small><br /> John Motta<small>(President of the United States Adult Soccer Association)</small> |- | Youth Council Representatives || Mike Cullina <small>(CEO/Executive Director of US Club Soccer)</small><br /> Michael Karon <small>(National President of American Youth Soccer Organization)</small><br /> Todd Lockhart<br /> Pete Zopfi <small>(trauma surgeon and chair of the board United States Youth Soccer Association)</small><ref>{{cite web |title=USYS' DR. PETE ZOPFI ON HOW COVID-19 WILL CHANGE YOUTH SOCCER |date=April 11, 2020 |url=https://www.soccertoday.com/usys-dr-pete-zopfi-on-how-covid-19-will-change-youth-soccer/ |publisher=Soccer Today |access-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-date=August 10, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810105511/https://www.soccertoday.com/usys-dr-pete-zopfi-on-how-covid-19-will-change-youth-soccer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> |- | At Large Representative || John Collins <small>(Sports Law Attorney)</small> |- | Independent Directors || Lisa Carnoy <small>(banking executive)</small><ref>{{cite web |title=Lisa Carnoy unanimously elected to U.S. Soccer Board of Directors |url=https://www.soccerwire.com/news/lisa-carnoy-unanimously-elected-to-u-s-soccer-board-of-directors/ |publisher=Soccer Wire |access-date=August 25, 2017 |archive-date=May 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210521105042/https://www.soccerwire.com/news/lisa-carnoy-unanimously-elected-to-u-s-soccer-board-of-directors/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br /> Patti Hart <small>(former gaming executive and Yahoo board member)</small><br /> Juan Uro <small>(former NBA executive)</small><ref>{{cite web |title=Juan Uro |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/02/us-soccer-nominates-juan-uro-as-independent-director |publisher=US Soccer Federation |access-date=July 31, 2020 |archive-date=September 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927104843/https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/02/us-soccer-nominates-juan-uro-as-independent-director |url-status=live }}</ref> |}
===Presidents=== '''United States Soccer Football Association (until 1974)''' {{columns-list|colwidth=20em| * Gustav Randolph Manning (1913–1915) * John A. Fernley (1915–1917) * Peter Peel (1917–1919) * George Healey (1919–1923) * Peter Peel (1923–1924) * Morris W. Johnson (1924–1926) * Andrew Brown (1926–1928) * Armstrong Patterson (1928–1932) * Elmer A. Schroeder (1933–1934) * Joseph J. Barriskill (1934–1936) * Joseph Triner (1936–1938) * H. S. Callowhill (1938–1941) * Thomas E. Sager (1941–1945) * H. H. Fairfield (1945–1948) * Walter Giesler (1948–1950) * F. W. Netto (1950–1952) * James McGuire (1952–1954) * E. Sullivan (1954–1957) * W. Rechsteiner (1957–1959) * Jack Flamhaft (1959–1961) * J. Eugene Ringsdorf (1961–1963) * George E. Fishwick (1963–1965) * F. E. Woods (1965–1967) * Bob Guelker (1967–1969) * Erwin A. Single (1969–1971) * James McGuire (1971–1974) }}
'''United States Soccer Federation (1974–present)''' {{columns-list|colwidth=20em| * Gene Edwards (1974–1984) * Werner Fricker (1984–1990) * Alan Rothenberg (1990–1998) * Robert Contiguglia (1998 – March 11, 2006) * Sunil Gulati (March 11, 2006 – January 10, 2018) * Carlos Cordeiro (January 10, 2018 – March 12, 2020) * Cindy Parlow Cone (March 12, 2020 – present) }}
==Current sponsorships== *Allstate *American Airlines *Anheuser-Busch *AT&T *Bank of America *Chobani *Coca-Cola *CVS *Deloitte *Ferrara *Haleon *Henkel *Home Depot *Jim Beam *Kellanova *Marriott *New York Life *Purina *Nike *Ticketmaster *Truly Hard Seltzer *Visa *Volkswagen
==See also== {{Portal|Women's association football|Association football}} * American Football Association * U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year * USWNT All-Time Best XI * National Soccer Hall of Fame * U.S. Soccer Development Academy * USSF State Soccer Associations * Futsal in the United States * United States men's national beach soccer team * United States women's national beach soccer team * United States Futsal Federation
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} * {{Official website}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20071215210059/http://www.fifa.com/associations/association=usa/ U.S.] at FIFA (archived December 15, 2007) * [https://www.concacaf.com/inside-concacaf/member-associations/usa/ U.S.] at CONCACAF
{{USSF Presidents}} {{USSoccer}} {{United States men's national soccer team}} {{United States women's national soccer team}} {{CONCACAF associations}} {{Sports governing bodies of the United States}} {{Authority control}}
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Category:United States Soccer Federation * United States United States United States Category:Soccer in Chicago Category:1913 establishments in the United States Category:Sports organizations established in 1913