GOAL takes a look at the Group Stage for TST 2025 and more ahead of this year's competition
The Soccer Tournament (TST) is officially back – and it is bigger than ever. Two divisions, a men's and women's field, will both compete for a respective $1M cash prize in a winner-takes-all tournament in Cary, North Carolina.
Full of former professionals from ex-USWNT star Hope Solo to former Manchester City and Argentina legend Sergio Aguero in the men's field, the competition will bring some of the best footballers at the 7v7 level around the world together in one spot.
“TST soccer is electrifying,” said TST CEO Jon Mugar. “Our goal is to become the preeminent soccer festival in the world. Judging by the number of returning fans and teams, we are well on our way. We have doubled the size of the women’s field, and a record 64 teams will compete in Cary. I can’t wait to see the level of competition this June!”
The men's and women's divisions will feature teams from 13 different countries, featuring 12 prominent European and North American professional teams. Newcomers in 2025 include AFC Bournemouth, Atletico Madrid, Club America, and Plymouth Argyle, while West Ham United returns after debuting in 2023 and taking off the 2024 edition.
Returning teams from 2024 include Borussia Dortmund, Villarreal CF, Cagliari Calcio, and the Wrexham Red Dragons. Notably, Pat McAfee's CONCAFA SC will return, while former Premier League legends Luis Nani and Aguero will appear with their respective men's teams, as well as reigning champions: La Bombonera.
On the women's side, the will look to return to the top of the podium in their division, led by former U.S. internationals Heather O'Reilly, Ali Krieger, and Allie Long.
GOAL takes a look at the official Group Stage reveal, while sharing the important key dates, times, and everything else you need to know ahead of this year's competition.
MEN'S GROUP STAGE
Group A: La Bombonera, Liga Fut7, Mississauga Dolphins, Abarrotera Hidalgo
Group B: Cagliari Calcio, Cardinal Legacy (Stanford alumni), City Soccer FC, Hoosier Army (Indiana alumni)
Group C: Club America, Drip FC, Nani FC, The 610
Group D: Boca Dallas, Dueling for Lincoln FC, LCF Academy, Newtown Pride FC
Group E: Dark Horse NC United, Pumas de Alabama, Reggae Rovers, Say Word FC
Group F: AFC Bournemouth, The CONCAFA SC, Real Athletico, Wrexham Red Dragons
Group G: Brown Ballers FC, Tenfifteen FC, Villarreal CF, West Ham United
Group H: La Mexicana Express, Soccer Central Saturdays Football, SF 97, Bumpy Pitch
Group I: Hashtag United, Pasha Luxury FC, Tactical Manager SC, Tobacco Road FC
Group J: Borussia Dortmund, Drunken Monkeys, Freedom United SC, Plymouth Argyle FC
Group K: FC Roha Eagles, KwikGoal FC, Raleigh Rebels FC, Socceroof
Group L: Atletico Madrid, Certified Lions FC, Seleccion Potrero, Trident FC
AdvertisementWOMEN'S GROUP STAGE
Group A: Angel City 7s, Austin Rise FC, Process FC, US Women
Group B: Drunken Monkeys, Kansas City II, Ultrain, Wrexham Red Dragons
Group C: Albion SC, Solo FC, Speedy Turtles, Streetball Canada
Group D: Boca Dallas, NC Courage, Reunion City Dallas, Bumpy Pitch
KEY DATES
Men's competition:
Group Stage: June 4-5
Round of 32: June 6
Round of 16 and Quarterfinals: June 7
Semifinals: June 8
Final: June 9
Women's competition:
Group Stage: June 5-6
Quarterfinals: June 7
Semifinals: June 8
Final: June 9
COMPETITION FORMAT
The Men's field, composed of 48 teams, will be divided into 16 groups of four. The top two teams from each group at the conclusion of the Group Stage will then enter into the knockout round portion of the tournament, where it is single-elimination in a World Cup-style bracket.
The women's field, composed of 16 teams, is divided into four groups of four. The knockout round format is identical to that of the men's field.