U.S. Soccer Federation

The United States Soccer Federation, commonly known as US Soccer, is the official national governing body for the sport of soccer in the United States. As a full member of FIFA, it is responsible for governing and promoting the game at all levels, from the professional ranks down to the youngest players. This responsibility extends deeply into youth soccer, where the federation establishes player development pathways and sanctions major national leagues like MLS NEXT. Through these platforms and its own Youth National Team programs, it creates a structured pipeline for identifying and developing the next generation of players. The federation also sanctions professional leagues, such as Major League Soccer (MLS) and the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), ensuring they operate under established standards. Additionally, it oversees coaching education, referee development, and organizes competitions like the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. A primary responsibility of US Soccer is the complete management of all national teams, including the U.S. Men's (USMNT) and Women's (USWNT) squads. Through these teams, the federation represents the United States in all international competitions, from the FIFA World Cup to the Olympic Games. Ultimately, US Soccer serves as the central authority for the sport, guiding its structure and development from the grassroots to the global stage.