The American soccer landscape is buzzing with the news of a historic and transformative partnership! NSF-USA (Nigeria Soccer Federation USA) has officially joined forces with Major League Soccer (MLS) for its Las Vegas 2026 event. This groundbreaking collaboration, currently planned as a pilot program, marks a significant shift, combining elite competition with a direct pipeline to professional soccer, and is set to feature two major MLS clubs: Austin FC and FC Dallas.
Redefining the Tournament Experience, the competition meets career path for years, NSF-USA has been a celebrated fixture in the national soccer community.
However, the ‘Las Vegas 2026’ edition promises to completely redefine the experience. The partnership with MLS elevates the tournament from a spirited community event to an essential talent showcase and a legitimate step on the path to professional play.
NSF-USA’s core mission—to provide meaningful opportunities for players of all levels—is now being realized on an unprecedented scale, offering professional exposure and international scouting that were once out of reach.
“ This is more than just a collaboration; it’s a commitment to the future of soccer talent in America,” remarked a representative. “By bringing MLS directly into our tournament structure, we are creating transparent, high-level pathways that simply didn’t exist before.”
The most exciting development is the launch of a new, highly-selective U16–U19 Invitational Tournament. This exclusive bracket is designed to put top youth talent directly in front of the MLS spotlight.
Austin FC and FC Dallas representatives will be in direct attendance, actively scouting and evaluating players for potential integration into their prestigious academy systems.This is a rare chance for young athletes to bypass traditional tryout barriers and make an immediate impression on professional club level.
The opportunity doesn’t end in Las Vegas. Following the tournament, standout players from the U16–U19 category will receive an invitation to participate in a special NSFUSA U16–U19 vs. MLS U18–U19 showcase match, hosted at the respective training facilities of the MLS teams. This incredible experience offers a taste of the professional environment and a final, high-stakes tryouts.
Both Austin FC and FC Dallas will extend invitations to exceptional top talented players for intensive, week-long professional tryouts. These trials will take place at the clubs’ state-of-the-art training facilities in Texas, providing direct integration into the Major League Soccer environment.
Amidst the high-stakes scouting and professional focus, NSF – USA has ensured its tradition of community and passion remains intact. The beloved Over-40 Tournament will make its return, continuing to celebrate the lifelong dedication to the beautiful game and providing a platform for veterans to enjoy competitive soccer.
The three official and highly-anticipated categories for NSFUSA 2026 will be:
U16–U19 Invitational Tournament
Open Tournament
Over-40 Tournament
Las Vegas 2026 is poised to be more than just a date on the soccer calendar; it’s the launchpad for the next generation of soccer stars and a powerful statement on the growth of the game.
Further details regarding the application process, registration, and tournament schedules will be released soon. Prepare for a tournament that will truly redefine the intersection of passion, competition, and opportunity!
