The Soccer Tournament, a men’s and women’s competition featuring 56 all-star teams vying for $1 million prizes comes to Cary from June 5-10, 2024.

Need to know

The Soccer Tournament takes place at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary from Wednesday through Sunday, with 56 teams playing in 118 matches daily – in day and night sessions.

Matches will be played World Cup style – with a group stage followed by knoockout rounds. A doubleheader of championships – the women’s at and the men’s at takes place on Monday evening.

Off the field, the grounds are a festival for fans, including live music, live ESPN radio broadcasts and international food and drink options.

The Soccer Tournament: Men’s Tournament

Top players from around the world and at all levels – from North Carolina FC to the Wrexham Red Dragons, from FC Bayern of the Bundesliga to the Raleigh Rebels indoor football team – will play 7-on-7 in a winner-take-all World Cup-style tournament with $1 million on the line.

Big names

The Soccer Tournament is not just for soccer players, although there are plenty with international fame and accomplishments.

Probably the most recognizable names for casual sports fans are:

J.J. Watt, retired NFL defensive end. Watt is now part-owner of Burnley FC of the EFL and will play with the team in The Soccer Tournament. Watt’s wife, Kealia, who played on a University of North Carolina national championship team, will captain the Burnley FC women’s team in The Soccer Tournament.

Pat McAfee, ESPN personality and retired NFL punter. McAfee will play with Concafa SC and will broadcast his sports talk show from WakeMed Soccer Park from noon to 3 p.m. on June 5, 6 and 7.

Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco will play with alumni of FC Cincinnati on a team called Nati SC.

The field features World Cup, Premier League, UEFA and MLS champions and members of the mens national teams of the United States, England, Brazil and more.

Other teams to watch:

Newtown Pride FC: Winners of last year’s inaugural TST.

Tobacco Road FC, the best amateur talent from the community, including elite college players from the many soccer-rich schools in the area.

Nani FC, led by four-time Premier League champion, UEFA Champions League winner Luis Nani of Portugal.

Reggae Rovers, a roster of players with the diverse styles and cultures of island footballing nations.

Inter Milan, winners of 36 domestic trophies, 3 UEFA cups, and a Club World Cup.

Wrexham Red Dragons, subject of the hit FX show, the oldest football team in Wales and third-oldest in the world.

Bracket/schedule

The 48 men’s teams begin play in 12 groups, with 32 advancing to a single-elimination bracket. Games begin at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5, and culminate in the championship game on Monday, June 10, at 8:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

Each team in the men’s bracket is guaranteed a minimum of three group stage games to be played across Wednesday and Thursday.

Full schedule: The Soccer Tournament 2024

Tickets

Single-session passes, with access to WakeMed Soccer Park and matches on all fields, start at $38 for opening day, Wednesday, June 5. Most day and evening sessions are $48. The championship double-header is $53.

Seating at each soccer field is general admission, first-come, first-served.

All tickets must be purchased online, in advance. Buy tickets to The Soccer Tournament 2024. No tickets will be available for sale at WakeMed Soccer Park.

On-site parking starts at $30 per day and must be purchased online, in advance.

Multi-session grounds passes are also available.

A pass to all women’s games costs $205. A pass for all of the men’s group stage games $110. A grounds pass for all sessions costs $399.

There are also various VIP experiences available.

The Soccer Tournament: Women’s Tournament

The women’s field is made up of eight teams, including the North Carolina Courage, winners of the NWSL championship in 2018 and 2019.

Big names

The US Women team is led by Heather O’Reilly with a roster that includes World Cup champions and Olympic gold medalists, and members of the US Women’s National Team. Coaches include Mia Hamm and Carly Lloyd.

Kealia Watt, who played on a UNC national championship team and for the Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL, is captain of the Brunley FC team.

Also in the field is Soccerhead FC, a team of Duke Blue Devil alumnae who “have chosen the corporate America route, but still have aspirations of being professional soccer players.”

Game schedule

Teams will play in two groups of four, beginning Friday, June 7 at 9:30 a.m.

Each team in the women’s bracket is guaranteed a minimum of 3 group stage games to be played across Friday and Saturday. First and second place from each group advance to the semifinals Sunday, June 9.

How to watch

ESPN+ will stream 27 matches and eight matches will be on television.

The winner will be crowned June 10 at 7 p.m. (ESPNU). The men’s championship will follow at 8:30 p.m.

Pat McAfee Live, which airs on ESPN, will be broadcast live from Field 3 with action on other fields on June 5 and June 6. The show runs from noon to 3 p.m.

Tickets

Single-session passes, with access to WakeMed Soccer Park and matches on all fields, start at $38 for opening day, Wednesday, June 5. Most day and evening sessions are $48. The championship double-header is $53.

Buy tickets to The Soccer Tournament 2024

Multi-session grounds passes are also available.

A pass to all women’s games costs $205. A pass for all of the men’s group stage games $110. A grounds pass for all sessions costs $399.

There are also various VIP experiences available.

Source: wralsportsfan.com