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US Soccer Federation CEO JT Batson has a simple thesis: losing 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16 was actually a good thing. Not the scoreline itself, obviously, but what the 2026 World Cup revealed about American soccer’s trajectory. The federation is now moving to convert a summer of home-soil hype into lasting structural change, with the explicit goal of fielding a team that expects to win future tournaments, not just show up.
The money tells the story
US Soccer is projecting $397 million in revenue for fiscal 2027, a record for the organization. The bulk of that, roughly $268.7 million, is expected to come from sponsorships, licensing, and events. The federation expects a near $10 million surplus for fiscal 2027.
On the fundraising side, US Soccer has pulled in $170 million toward its “Behind The Dream” campaign, reaching 68% of its overall goal. Those dollars have already produced tangible results, most notably the Arthur M. Blank US Soccer National Training Center, which gives the federation a permanent home base for player development and team preparation.
Pochettino’s four-year project
Mauricio Pochettino has set his sights on developing the USMNT into a legitimate top-tier contender by the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
The federation’s approach isn’t just about the senior team. US Soccer plans to overhaul youth development pathways and align stakeholders across MLS academies, independent clubs, and the federation itself.
A packed calendar ahead
The 2026 World Cup isn’t a standalone event for US Soccer. The 2027 Women’s World Cup is next on the docket, followed by the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. There’s also a potential bid to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
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