The Soccer Tournament (TST) delivered its biggest year yet in Cary in 2026, generating an estimated $16.2 million in direct economic impact while drawing record in-person and global audiences to WakeMed Soccer Park.
According to the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB), TST’s estimated direct economic impact increased 10% from $14.7 million in 2025. Of the tournament’s 57,942 attendees, an estimated 34,488 traveled from outside Wake County, including 23,304 overnight visitors. The six-day event generated an estimated 22,385 room nights and more than $607,000 in direct local tax revenue.
The Tournament also reached its largest viewership audience to date. Its NBC semifinal averaged 433,000 viewers, making it the most-watched match in TST history. Matches generated 35.5 million impressions on YouTube and reached more than 1 million unique viewers, with audiences tuning in from more than 180 countries.
"TST’s record year is something all of Cary can be proud of,” said Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “Each year, our residents get a front-row seat to a world-class soccer festival right here in Cary, while our local businesses benefit from the tens of thousands of visitors it brings. People from around the world get to see what makes Cary special, and I’m thankful to our outstanding staff and partners who work so hard to make it happen.”
TST’s fourth year featured 76 teams, more than 2,000 athletes, and 159 matches. Athletes from 27 countries traveled to Cary to compete with teams representing 14 nations. For the first time, the event included three $1 million winner-take-all competitions. Hernandez United claimed the men’s championship, Iowa Demon Hawks won the women’s championship, and Peluche Hawks FC captured the inaugural mixed title.
“TST continues to grow every year in Cary,” said TST founder and CEO Jon Mugar. “We are proud of the impact the tournament has had on the community and look forward to working with Cary to make the event even bigger in the years ahead.”