Case

Competition

Competition Overview

The U.S. Soccer Case Competition gives students a chance to step outside the classroom and tackle a real-world sports challenge, while gaining insight into the day-to-day work of the sports industry. Participants work in teams to solve a curated case that mirrors a high-impact, multi-faceted strategic initiative U.S. Soccer is currently pursuing. They apply skills across marketing, data analysis, and sports business strategy to develop a detailed recommendation, judged by U.S. Soccer staff.

Teams submit a presentation deck, with a set of University Champions selected. These Champions then take part in an in-person event to present live and compete for the title of Overall Champion. The event draws a large U.S. Soccer contingent and offers opportunities to network, showcase industry knowledge to professionals in aspirational roles, and receive exclusive access and rewards. Learn more about the 2025 competition here!

The 2026 Case Competition will build upon the highly competitive 2025 competition, with the final round hosted at the brand-new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center. With the case topic this year being the 2027 Women’s World Cup and growth of the game following the 2026 Men’s World Cup, participants will have the opportunity to think creatively about the future of soccer during this pivotal time.

This year we are also opening the competition to those in schools outside the Metro Atlanta area. While the in-person event and related prizes will still be reserved for those who are able to reasonably travel to the in-person final round event if chosen (as U.S. Soccer is unable to provide monetary travel assistance), we will hold an online final round event for those registered in the virtual competition track, where selected finalists present their proposals live to U.S. Soccer staff and receive exclusive feedback and networking opportunities.

Case Competition Eligibility Requirements

Current college undergraduate students (Freshmen through Seniors), in groups of 3-4
If participating in the in-person competition track:
Must be able to attend the in-person final round presentation on October 27 in order to be selected as a University Champion
Must be enrolled at one of the following Colleges or Universities in the general Atlanta area:
Georgia State University
Kennesaw State University
Georgia Gwinnett College
Clark Atlanta University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta Technical College
University of Georgia
Spelman College
Agnes Scott College
Oglethorpe University
Emory University
Morehouse College
SCAD Atlanta
If you attend a nearby school and are not listed, please reach out to our team at casecompetition@ussoccer.org

Signups for the 2026 U.S. Soccer Case Competition are now open! Sign up your team of 3-4 using the link below. Key dates and submission deadlines are as follows:

Signup deadline: October 8

Case response submission deadline: October 14

Finalist teams notified: October 23

In-Person final round event: The evening of October 27th @ The Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center

Participant Benefits

Professional Development:

Opportunity to tackle a real challenge that U.S. Soccer is currently addressing

Increased understanding of the sports and soccer landscape, as well as the business and strategic day-to-day work behind it

All presentations will receive written feedback from U.S. Soccer staff with subject matter expertise

University Champions

In Person Event And Feedback:

University Champions receive an invite to in-person event where each finalist team will present to USSF staff and get live feedback and video footage of their presentations; virtual track participants will be invited to a similar online session

Will also have the opportunity to meet and speak with a large contingent of U.S. Soccer staff across multiple departments, including Strategy, Soccer Growth, Commercial, and Sporting at the brand new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center; virtual track participants will have this opportunity during the online final event, if selected

Digital & Physical Recognition

University champion teams & members included on the Career Hub website, and in-person competition track teams receive physical certification of university champion status

Potential increased consideration for job/internship opportunities

Standouts from University champion teams during the live presentations will receive strong consideration for future roles at U.S. Soccer – can include the 2027 summer internship (as applicable) & future full-time roles

Overall Competition Champions

Special VIP access at the Career Summit - In-person competition track only:

Exclusive time with U.S. Soccer staff, external speakers, and sports groups at the 2027 Career Summit in March

Digital & physical recognition

Images and names of top teams on Career Hub, physical items for in-person competition track winners

Significant increased consideration for job/internship opportunities

Winning team of the in-person competition track receives automatic interview for 2027 summer internship, if applicable, or priority consideration for future roles if internship requirements are not met.

Tickets to upcoming match

Winning team of the in-person competition track will receive tickets to an upcoming soccer match – USMNT, USWNT, or Atlanta United, depending on scheduling