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Dubbed the "Coachella for Soccer," The Soccer Tournament is returning, and it's more than just an event about soccer; it's an all-out festival celebrating the beautiful game. Combining players, top clubs, fans, food, and a second-to-none atmosphere, TST 2025 will raise the bar in Cary, North Carolina. TST's more thrilling second chapter of action-packed soccer comes after the roar that echoed during its earlier years, more enormous in format and newer in stars.
A New Era of Soccer
In 2023, TST marked the entry of TBT Enterprises into soccer, extending the success of the organization responsible for the highly successful annual event, The Basketball Tournament, since 2014. The inaugural event at the WakeMed Soccer Park proved that TST wasn't something but a force to flash in the past and be reckoned with that would make significant waves in U.S. soccer, an even bigger roster, and an expansive scene. Now, with formats, TST is ready to take it to the next level in 2025.
Star-Studded Lineups and High Stakes
In 2025, TST will boast a 48-team men's field featuring some of the biggest names in world football alongside European giants and up-and-coming stars. Teams that will be returning include Nani FC, the TST 2024 runner-up, captained by former Manchester United star Luís Nani, ready to come back and claim the championship, while Manchester City's legendary striker Sergio Agüero will come guns blazing, captaining Selección Potrero, a squad filled with top players from his 7v7 tournament in Argentina.
But it is not only the men's tournament poised for an epic showdown. This year, TST's women's event is doubling in size, with more talent and excitement than ever. The reigning champions, US Women, return with an all-star roster. Two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion Carli Lloyd will lead the charge and will be joined by former USWNT stars Heather O'Reilly and Ali Krieger. This will be the first time since 2016 that the trio has taken to the field together, further adding to the nostalgia of this incredible event.
"I had such a great time last year being part of the US Women coaching staff," said Carli Lloyd. "This year, it's time to lace up my boots and reunite with some of my former teammates-Heather O'Reilly and Ali Krieger-and help the US Women win back-to-back TST titles!"
More Than Just Soccer: A Full-Fledged Festival
TST isn't just about the intensity of soccer; it's a full-on festival experience! While the action on the seven fields promises to be electrifying, fans can enjoy live entertainment, interactive games, player meet-and-greets, kids' zones, and a wide variety of food and drinks. From contests to unforgettable fan experiences, there's something for everyone.
Of course, Pitchside Brazil will provide all the coverage to bring fans closer to the action.
TST 2025 Dates & Schedule
Event Dates:
June 6-9 (Wednesday-Monday)
Location:
WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina
Where to Watch:
TST 2025 will air on ESPN. In March 2024, TST and ESPN announced that ESPN+ will stream matches live, with select games on linear TV.
Special Rules of TST: Target Score Time
The most distinct feature of TST is that of the Target Score Time, a rule that guarantees that a match ends with a winning game goal. Once the normal 40 minutes have passed, a Target Score is set by adding one goal to the leading team's score. From there, the match goes into an untimed overtime period called Target Score Time, where teams fight until one reaches the Target Score. To add to the drama, a player from each team is taken out every 3 minutes during this sudden-death period.
This has become one of the fans' favorite rules, bringing intensity and excitement to each match.
TST 2025 Tournament Breakdown
The tournament opens at WakeMed Soccer Park, with men's group play running June 4-5 and women's group play from June 5-6. On June 6, men's knockout round action includes the Round of 32 and Round of 16, while quarterfinals and semifinals take place on June 7-8.
The men's and women's events will conclude with a winner-take-all championship doubleheader on June 9, with $2 million in prize money.
Don't Miss Your Chance!
With its star-studded lineup of world-class players, the largest-ever tournament field, and lively festival atmosphere, TST 2025 is the soccer event of the year. Be it the high-octane 7v7 action or just outright unforgettable experiences, TST promises to celebrate all that we love about the beautiful game.
