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National Federation · Soccer · United States

U.S. Soccer Federation

The national governing body of American soccer since 1913 — the national teams, the U.S. Open Cup, and the sanctioning authority of the professional leagues.
✓ Last reviewed: August 2026
RoleNational governing body, U.S. soccer (FIFA member via Concacaf)
Founded1913 · FIFA member since 1914
HeadquartersAtlanta, Georgia (Arthur M. Blank campus, opened 2026)
PresidentCindy Parlow Cone (re-elected February 2026)
ScopeNational teams · U.S. Open Cup · pro-league sanctioning · referees & coaching

What is U.S. Soccer?

The U.S. Soccer Federation is the national governing body of soccer in the United States — founded in 1913, a FIFA member since 1914, and since 2026 headquartered at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center campus in Atlanta.[1][2]

What does U.S. Soccer govern?

The men's and women's national teams and all youth and extended national teams; the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, the country's oldest soccer competition (since 1914); the sanctioning of professional leagues — Division I status for MLS and the NWSL — plus referee and coaching licensing nationwide.[1][3]

Who leads it?

President Cindy Parlow Cone — Olympic and World Cup champion as a player — led the federation through its move to Atlanta and was re-elected at the February 2026 AGM; the federation entered 2026, a home World Cup year, with record revenues.[2][4]

Why does U.S. Soccer matter?

Every sanctioned professional match, license and national-team cap in American soccer traces to the federation — its selection of players for U.S. teams, and its sanctioning of the leagues they play in, are the credentials of the American game. The USWNT's four World Cups make it the most successful program in women's soccer.[1][2]

References

  1. U.S. Soccer — official site. Accessed August 2026.
  2. U.S. Soccer — President Cindy Parlow Cone. Accessed August 2026.
  3. U.S. Soccer — Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Accessed August 2026.
  4. ESPN — U.S. Soccer to build national training center and HQ in Atlanta. Accessed August 2026.