STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | August 11, 2026 — The road to induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame has moved another step forward, with the organization announcing the semifinalists for the Veteran and Builder ballots for the Class of 2027.
Induction into the National Soccer Hall: A Prestigious Honor
The latest group features a wide-ranging collection of influential figures from across American and international soccer, including former Major League Soccer stars, U.S. national team standouts, accomplished coaches and individuals whose contributions helped shape the sport in the United States.
The Hall of Fame announced 19 semifinalists for the Veteran Ballot and 10 for the Builder Ballot. Meanwhile, candidates on the Player Ballot remain in the screening process after the full list of eligible players was released in July.
Under Hall of Fame guidelines, the Player Ballot is reserved for players who have been retired for at least three years but no more than 10. The Veteran Ballot provides an avenue for players who have been retired for more than 10 full calendar years, while the Builder Ballot recognizes those who have made significant contributions to the sport outside of playing.
Among the most recognizable names on the Veteran semifinalist list is David Beckham, whose arrival with the LA Galaxy in 2007 became one of the landmark moments in MLS history. Beckham helped raise the league’s international profile while winning two MLS Cups during his six seasons in Southern California.
Former U.S. internationals Clint Mathis, Heather Mitts, Aly Wagner, Lorrie Fair, Lori Henry and Tiffany Roberts are also among the semifinalists.
Wagner earned 131 appearances for the United States Women’s National Team and was part of the American squad that captured Olympic gold in 2004 and 2008. Mitts was also a prominent member of the USWNT, earning multiple Olympic gold medals during her international career.
The ballot also contains several notable names with deep MLS connections, including longtime goalkeeper Kevin Hartman, midfielder Steve Ralston and indoor soccer legend Tatu.
International recognition is represented by Japan great Homare Sawa, one of the most decorated women’s players of her generation. Sawa captained Japan to the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup championship and earned the Golden Ball and Golden Boot during the tournament.
A nine-person Veteran Screening Committee selected the 19 semifinalists from 127 eligible candidates. The committee will next reduce the field to 10 finalists before the 24-member Veteran Voting Committee determines the inductees.
The finalist receiving the most votes will earn induction, while a second candidate can also be selected if that individual receives at least 75 percent of the vote.
The Builder Ballot is limited to coaches for the 2027 election as part of the Hall of Fame’s rotating selection process involving coaches, referees and contributors.
Former U.S. Men’s National Team coach and MLS manager Gregg Berhalter headlines the Builder semifinalists. Berhalter led the United States at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has also held coaching positions with Columbus Crew and Chicago Fire.
Other prominent coaching figures include Pia Sundhage, Frank Yallop, Steve Negoesco, Lothar Osiander, Clive Charles and Gordon Jago.
Sundhage coached the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2008 through 2012, guiding the Americans to Olympic gold medals in Beijing and London. Yallop built a successful MLS coaching career highlighted by championship runs with the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Builder Screening Committee selected the 10 semifinalists from a pool of 32 eligible candidates and will narrow the field to four finalists. A 24-person Builder Voting Committee will then select the eventual inductee.
A maximum of six individuals can enter the National Soccer Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2027, including as many as three Players, two Veterans and one Builder.
With semifinalists now established on two ballots, attention turns toward the upcoming finalist selections as another group of influential figures moves closer to receiving American soccer’s highest individual honor.
