The National Soccer Hall of Fame revealed its 2026 class on Thursday, naming a group of U.S. soccer icons who will be honored at a ceremony on April 16 in Plano, Texas. The inductees span the men’s and women’s games, veteran contributors and even an indoor‑soccer legend, reflecting the sport’s growth across the country.
Player inductees
Megan Rapinoe was elected on the player ballot in her first year of eligibility. The two‑time Women’s World Cup champion and 2019 Ballon d’Or winner retired in 2023 with 63 goals, 73 assists and 203 caps. Rapinoe, who also earned an Olympic gold medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2022, was surprised by family and fans at Seattle‑Tacoma International Airport with the news of her election. She said, “It’s very special to be recognized alongside the greatest players who have represented our country.”
Jozy Altidore joins the Hall after a 15‑year international career that included two World Cup appearances and 42 goals – the third‑most in U.S. men’s history. Altidore also scored the winning goal for Toronto FC in the 2017 MLS Cup.
Julie Ertz earned a place on the veteran ballot after a distinguished career as a defensive midfielder. Ertz appeared in three Women’s World Cups, was named U.S. Soccer Player of the Year twice, and retired in 2023. She spent most of her club career with the Chicago Red Stars before a brief stint with Angel City in 2023.
David Beckham was voted in on the veteran ballot. The former England captain helped popularize soccer in the United States after joining the LA Galaxy in 2007 and later became an owner of Inter Miami. Beckham won back‑to‑back MLS Cups with the Galaxy, scoring 18 goals in 98 appearances, and his involvement in MLS expansion paved the way for new franchises.
Veteran and builder inductees
Brazilian indoor‑soccer star Tatu joins the Hall as the third indoor player ever honored. Over a 21‑year indoor career, Tatu scored 857 regular‑season goals, cementing his status as a legend of the indoor game.
Former U.S. men’s national team coach Lothar Osiander was elected on the builder ballot. Osiander led the senior national team from 1986‑88 and the under‑23 side from 1988‑92, and also coached the then‑San Jose Clash and the LA Galaxy.
What the ceremony means for American soccer
The Hall of Fame class highlights the increasing prominence of both the men’s and women’s games in the United States. With players like Rapinoe and Ertz, who have achieved success on the world stage, and Beckham, whose star power helped launch MLS into mainstream awareness, the inductees embody the sport’s evolution from a niche pastime to a major component of American culture.
Fans across the nation will watch the induction ceremony, which will be streamed online and feature tributes, video montages and speeches from the honorees. The event underscores the Hall’s mission to preserve the history of soccer in the United States while inspiring the next generation of players.
Local soccer clubs and youth programs are already planning celebrations in their communities, emphasizing the role of family, faith and teamwork that these inductees have championed throughout their careers.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
