Soccer's biggest stars headed to Cary as TST releases 2026 schedule

Some of the biggest names in soccer -- past and present -- are heading to the Triangle this spring.

The Soccer Tournament, better known as TST, has released the full groups and schedule for its 2026 event in Cary, bringing six days of fast paced, winner take all soccer to WakeMed Soccer Park.

The global 7-on-7 soccer festival runs May 27 through June 1 and features three separate competitions -- men's, women's and a brand new mixed tournament -- each with a $1 million prize on the line.

Organizers say this year's event will be the biggest yet.

"We have over 2,000 athletes flying in from all over the world," TST CEO Jon Mugar said. "There will be 159 game winning goals over six days, including three million dollar goals."

In total, 76 teams from 15 countries will compete, representing professional leagues across four continents. That includes international clubs like Wrexham AFC, Villarreal CF, Cagliari Calcio, Club América and Orlando Pirates, along with hometown favorites such as the North Carolina Courage.

Fans can also expect star power on and off the field.

Celebrity led teams are once again part of the men's tournament, including Gerard Piqué's Kings League All Stars, Sergio Agüero's KRÜ FC and Dreamville FC, organized by rapper J. Cole's Dreamville Records.

Several high profile matchups are already drawing attention, including Kings League All Stars vs. KRÜ FC on May 27 and Club América taking on Villarreal CF the following day.

The women's tournament continues to grow as well, expanding to 16 teams for the second straight year. Two time defending champions U.S. Women return with a roster that includes World Cup winners Heather O'Reilly, Jessica McDonald and Allie Long.

Hope Solo's Solo FC is also back and will face the North Carolina Courage during group play on May 29.

A major addition this year is the debut of "TST Mixed," a co ed competition that mixes men and women on the same roster and alternates play throughout the match. The format will have women on the field for the first and third quarters and men playing the second and fourth.

That new bracket sets up one of the most anticipated moments of the tournament: Landon Donovan's Sneaky FC facing Hope Solo's Solo FC on May 30.

Tournament play is spread across six days, starting with men's group matches on May 27 and building toward championship games on June 1, when all three $1 million finals will be decided.

Tickets and full schedule details are available here.