Team USA Returns to Socca World Cup Stage in 2026, Led by Small Goal Soccer
After a two-year absence, Team USA is officially returning to the Socca World Cup.
The 2026 tournament will take place in Essen, Germany from August 29 through September 5, bringing together national teams from across the world for one of the fastest-growing formats in international soccer.
Once again, Team USA will be spearheaded by Small Goal Soccer, the organization that has helped push the small-sided game forward across the United States and played a key role in previous Team USA Socca campaigns.
For American players, supporters, and the growing small-sided soccer community, this marks the return of a major international opportunity.
Small Goal Soccer Returns to Lead Team USA
Small Goal Soccer’s return to the Team USA program comes at an important time for the sport.
Across the country, small-sided soccer continues to grow rapidly. Players are looking for faster, more competitive, more accessible versions of the game — and socca has become one of the most exciting international formats in the world.
With SGS once again leading the charge, Team USA will begin building a national player pool capable of competing on the world stage in Essen.
Tryouts will be held in Phoenix, Arizona at Small Goal Soccer HQ, with limited spots available. Following the tryout process, Team USA will announce a training camp squad, which will prepare together from June through Augustahead of the World Cup.
Noel Castillo Returns as Head Coach
Leading the team from the sideline will be Noel Castillo, a familiar name within the Team USA Socca program.
Castillo returns to the frame after representing Team USA as a player in the 2018 Socca World Cup in Lisbon, Portugal. Now, he steps into the head coaching role with firsthand knowledge of what the international stage demands.
His experience as a former Team USA player gives him a unique understanding of the pace, pressure, and pride that come with competing in a World Cup environment.
As head coach, Castillo will be tasked with shaping the roster, setting the team identity, and preparing the squad for the intensity of international small-sided competition.
Mitch Garcia Named Captain
Team USA will also be led on the field by Mitch Garcia, who featured for the United States in the 2019 tournament in Greece.
Garcia will captain the 2026 squad and play a key role in player recruitment as Team USA builds toward Germany. His experience within the program, combined with his leadership and connection to the player pool, will be central to the team’s preparation.
Having players with past Team USA experience involved in both leadership and recruitment gives the 2026 group a strong foundation as it prepares for a return to world competition.
The Road to Essen Begins in Phoenix
The first major step will take place in Phoenix.
Team USA tryouts at SGS HQ will provide players the chance to earn their way into the national team conversation. Spots will be limited, and the selection process will be highly competitive. Players interested in trying out can register here
From there, the training camp squad will be announced and begin preparations through the summer.
The June through August camp window will be crucial. The Socca World Cup is fast, physical, technical, and unforgiving. With fewer players, smaller spaces, and constant transitions, teams need more than talent. They need chemistry, fitness, discipline, and a clear identity.
That work starts now.
A New Chapter for Team USA
Team USA’s return to the Socca World Cup is about more than one tournament.
It is about rebuilding momentum. It is about creating a pathway for American small-sided players. It is about representing the red, white, and blue in a global format that continues to grow every year.
With Small Goal Soccer back at the helm, Noel Castillo leading from the sideline, and Mitch Garcia captaining the squad, Team USA enters this new chapter with experience, credibility, and purpose.
Essen, Germany awaits.
Team USA is back.
Interested players, sponsors, partners, and supporters are encouraged to follow Team USA updates as tryout details, training camp announcements, and roster news are released.
Let’s go, USA.