The Soccer Forward Festivals have quickly become one of the most expansive community soccer programs in the United States. By the end of June 2026, organizers had registered 551 events in 46 different states, each running between March 3 and October 31. Organizers project that more than 85,000 participants will take part, with roughly 83 percent of the festivals designed specifically for youth.
Turning Global Spotlight into Local Action
While the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be hosted in 11 U.S. cities, the festival model deliberately spreads beyond those venues. Organizers estimate that more than half of the events will occur outside the host‑city footprint, allowing neighborhoods that might never host a World Cup match to still benefit from the tournament’s momentum. The festivals blend a variety of formats — from neighborhood celebrations and watch parties to skill clinics and field‑day competitions — creating flexible entry points for families and individuals.
Inclusivity sits at the heart of the program. Organizers have highlighted a strong focus on increasing girls’ participation, welcoming refugee and immigrant families, and designing accessible experiences for neurodivergent youth. Partnerships with nearly 200 community groups — including schools, parks departments, cultural organizations, and local soccer clubs — have helped embed the events in diverse neighborhoods, ensuring that the programming reflects the communities it serves.
Community Leaders Shape the Vision
Lex Chalat and Mary Connor, key figures at the Soccer Forward Foundation, have repeatedly emphasized the importance of local ownership. "We measure success by what a child carries forward," Chalat explained, noting that the goal is to spark a lifelong love of the game rather than simply count attendance numbers. Connor echoed this sentiment, stressing that community‑driven events must be adaptable and rooted in the specific needs of each neighborhood.
To support organizers, the partnership released a publicly available Soccer Forward Fests Toolkit. The resource includes planning guides, promotional templates, and branding assets, enabling any group — regardless of U.S. Soccer membership — to register and host a festival. This open‑access approach has attracted a wide range of participants, many of whom are new to organized soccer and are leveraging the toolkit to build programs that reflect their own cultural contexts.
Looking ahead, the initiative aims to sustain the energy generated by the World Cup beyond the tournament’s conclusion. By embedding soccer into community life through accessible, inclusive events, the Soccer Forward Foundation and Common Goal hope to cultivate a new generation of players, fans, and advocates. The ultimate aspiration is simple: to see children across the country carry the joy of the game into adulthood, shaping the future of soccer in the United States.