By OkayGoal 
The Soccer Tournament, widely known as TST, has become one of the most unique events in the sport. It’s built around a fast paced seven versus seven format and a one million dollar winner take all prize. The competition has grown rapidly since its launch and now attracts professional players, former international stars, clubs, and high-profile soccer personalities from around the world.
The women’s division has become one of the tournament’s most exciting attractions. What started as a smaller competition has expanded into a sixteen-team field featuring former USWNT players, NWSL veterans, international clubs, college standouts, and rising talent. According to official tournament organizers, the women’s event doubled in size and now includes teams from multiple countries competing in North Carolina.
One of the biggest reasons for the tournament’s popularity is the caliber of players involved. While many fans recognize the former World Cup champions and Olympic gold medalists participating, the competition also includes active professionals and younger players looking to make an impact. As the 2026 version unfolds, several notable names stand out across the women’s field.
Heather O’Reilly Continues to Lead US Women
Few players are more closely associated with The Soccer Tournament than Heather O’Reilly.
The former USWNT star has become one of the defining figures of the tournament and returns once again with the US women who are the two-time defending champions. O’Reilly remains one of the most accomplished players in American soccer history. She won multiple Olympic gold medals and a FIFA Women’s World Cup during her international career.
Her leadership remains a major reason why the US Women continue to be one of the tournament favorites. Even after retirement from full-time professional soccer, O’Reilly’s competitive mentality and technical quality translate well into the seven-versus-seven format. It’s one where quick decision-making and experience often make the difference. Official tournament coverage confirmed her return as part of the defending champions’ roster.
Jessica McDonald Brings Championship Experience
Jessica McDonald is another major name returning to The Soccer Tournament.
McDonald built one of the most respected careers in American women’s soccer. She won championships at both club and international levels. Known for her physicality, aerial presence, and ability to create scoring opportunities, she remains a dangerous attacking player even in a smaller-sided environment.
The seven-player format often creates open attacking situations which makes experienced forwards especially valuable. McDonald’s ability to hold possession, finish chances, and lead the line gives the US women another proven winner in their squad.
Allie Long Adds Midfield Control
Another former USWNT player returning to the event is Allie Long.
Long’s experience as a midfielder makes her particularly important in a tournament where controlling space is critical. Throughout her professional career, she earned recognition for her passing range, tactical awareness, and versatility across midfield positions.
Those qualities become even more valuable in seven-versus-seven soccer, where transitions happen rapidly and players must constantly adapt to changing situations. Long’s ability to dictate tempo and connect play helps make the US Women one of the strongest teams in the tournament. Her participation was confirmed through official The Soccer Tournament announcements and event coverage.
Hope Solo Returns With Solo FC
One of the biggest attractions in The Soccer Tournament is Hope Solo and her team Solo FC.
Solo remains one of the most recognizable figures in women’s soccer history. As a World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, she helped define an era of success for the USWNT. She also remains one of the most decorated goalkeepers the sport has ever seen.
Her presence immediately brings attention to the competition. Solo FC entered the tournament as one of the most discussed teams due to both Solo’s profile and the unique roster she assembled. Official tournament coverage confirmed her return to the women’s event while also participating in TST’s new mixed competition.
Although Solo FC struggled during group play, the team remained one of the tournament’s major storylines because of its star power and visibility.
Mana Shim Continues Her TST Journey
Mana Shim is another notable player competing for the US women.
Shim previously played professionally in the NWSL and became widely respected for both her on-field contributions and advocacy work within the sport. She has remained involved in TST and continues to be part of the US Women’s setup. Her experience and technical ability make her well-suited to the fast-paced nature of the competition.
Imani Dorsey Returns to Competition
Imani Dorsey is one of the most recognizable younger professional names involved in the tournament.
Dorsey enjoyed a successful collegiate career at Duke before moving into the professional game. There, she quickly established herself as one of the league’s promising defenders. Her athleticism and versatility allow her to contribute in both defensive and attacking situations.
She is part of the US Women’s roster and adds another player with high-level professional experience to the defending champions.
Jillian Loyden Brings International Experience
Former USWNT goalkeeper Jillian Loyden is also participating with the US Women.
Loyden’s professional career included time with multiple clubs as well as appearances within the United States national team system. Goalkeepers often play an especially important role in seven-versus-seven soccer. This is because matches frequently feature more scoring chances and transition opportunities. Her experience provides stability and leadership for a team already filled with accomplished players.
Club América Adds International Presence
One of the most intriguing participants in the women’s field is Club América Femenil.
The Liga MX Femenil side brings international representation to the tournament and reflects TST’s goal of attracting clubs from outside the United States. Club América has become one of the strongest organizations in Mexican women’s soccer. It enters the competition with a reputation for technical play and attacking quality.
Although many fans are familiar with the NWSL and USWNT stars involved, Club América’s participation offers exposure to a different talent pool and helps strengthen the tournament’s global identity. The club’s inclusion was confirmed through official tournament announcements.
North Carolina Courage Brings Professional Talent
The North Carolina Courage is another notable team in the field.
As one of the most successful clubs in NWSL history, the Courage brings professional experience and local interest to the tournament. Their anticipation also creates one of the most anticipated match-ups of group play as they face Hope Solo’s Solo FC.
Having an established NWSL club involved gives TST additional credibility. It also provides fans with another opportunity to watch professional players in a different competitive setting. Their participation was highlighted in tournament announcements leading into the event.
Additional Players Drawing Attention
Beyond the former USWNT stars, several additional players have attracted attention during the tournament.
According to official US Women roster releases, players such as Meredith Speck, Bella Devey, Hope Munson, Summer Denigan, and Scottie Antonucci are part of the squad. Many bring collegiate, professional, or youth national team experience.
Tournament previews also highlighted Vicky Bruce and Colombian international futsal player Paula Botero as notable members of Hope Solo’s team. Their inclusion demonstrates how TST blends traditional soccer backgrounds with talent from other versions of the sport.
The diversity of player backgrounds has become one of the defining characteristics of the event. Current professionals, retired internationals, college standouts, and specialized futsal players all compete together in the same tournament.
Why the Women’s Tournament Continues to Grow
The expansion of the women’s field from earlier editions reflects the growing popularity of both TST and women’s soccer overall.
Tournament organizers have emphasized investment in the women’s competition through equal prize opportunities and expanded participation. The one million dollar prize remains one of the most attention-grabbing aspects of the event. It creates a competitive atmosphere that attracts high-level players.
At the same time, the seven versus seven format provides something different from traditional soccer. Matches feature more attacking opportunities, quicker transitions, and dramatic endings through TST’s Target Score Time rules. These elements create an entertaining product for both players and fans.
“As a woman, a mother and an athlete I’ve always pushed for true equality in life and the world we live in. Athletics has always been at the forefront of that struggle, led by those courageous enough to stand at the tip of the spear and absorb the resistance one faces for tearing down barriers. In this spirit, I sincerely congratulate TST and especially Jon Mugar for being willing to take the leap! This tournament is not just historic, it’s heroic and I’m thrilled to be involved in it,” said Hope Solo about the tournament, according to WRAL News.
An Important Event
The 2026 edition of The Soccer Tournament features one of the strongest women’s fields in the event’s history. Former USWNT stars such as Heather O’Reilly, Jessica McDonald, Allie Long, Hope Solo, and Jillian Loyden headline the competition. On the other hand, other players add further quality and experience.
International clubs such as Club América and professional organizations like the North Carolina Courage help expand the tournament’s reach beyond former national team players. This creates a competition that combines different generations and styles of soccer.
As The Soccer Tournament continues to grow, the women’s tournament has become much more than a novelty event. It now serves as a showcase for established stars, emerging talent, and global participation in women’s soccer. With major names, competitive matches, and a substantial prize on the line, the event continues to carve out a unique place in the sport’s calendar.
Featured image via @uwathletics