STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | July 27, 2026 — The National Soccer Hall of Fame has released its complete list of candidates eligible for election in 2027, beginning a selection process that could produce as many as six new inductees.

The Legacy of the National Soccer Hall

A total of 220 candidates are under consideration across three categories. The initial pool includes 61 players, 127 veterans and 32 builders, with screening committees responsible for reducing each group before voting begins on the final ballots.

Under the Hall of Fame’s election format, no more than three players, two veterans and one builder can be selected in a single year.

The Player Screening Committee will narrow the 61-player eligibility list to 20 finalists. That group includes 16 candidates appearing on the ballot for the first time, led by several of the most recognizable figures in recent United States soccer history.

Former U.S. Men’s National Team standouts Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore, Graham Zusi and Ozzie Alonso headline the first-year group. Bradley earned 151 international appearances, while Altidore played 115 games for the national team. Zusi combined 15 Major League Soccer seasons with 55 U.S. appearances, and Alonso earned an MLS Best XI selection during his 15-year career.

The women’s side of the first-year list features Megan Rapinoe, Julie Ertz, Ali Krieger and Jessica McDonald.

Rapinoe made 203 appearances for the U.S. Women’s National Team and played 13 combined seasons in Women’s Professional Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League. Ertz appeared 123 times for the United States and earned three NWSL Best XI selections. Krieger finished with 108 international appearances and three league Best XI honors.

The player pool also recognizes members of the United States’ Extended National Teams, including candidates from the country’s deaf, cerebral palsy and power soccer programs.

Thirteen finalists from the 2026 election return for another opportunity, including Kyle Beckerman, Matt Besler, Dwayne De Rosario, Robbie Keane, Chad Marshall, Samantha Mewis, Amy Rodriguez and Diego Valeri.

Maurice Edu and Oguchi Onyewu are among six players entering their final year of eligibility in the player category. Those not elected will move to the Veteran Eligibility List for 2028.

Players must be retired for at least three full calendar years but no more than 10. Candidates must also meet international appearance standards or have played at least five seasons in a top-level American professional league while earning postseason All-Star recognition.

The Veteran Screening Committee will reduce its 127-candidate pool to 10 finalists through a two-stage process.

Twenty candidates are appearing on the veteran list for the first time, including Nat Borchers, Conor Casey, Brad Davis, Whitney Engen, Herculez Gomez, Clarence Goodson, Mike Magee, Robbie Rogers and Carlos Ruiz.

Former finalists David Beckham, Clint Mathis, Aly Wagner, Lorrie Fair, Tiffany Roberts, Tatu, Chico Borja and Francis Farberoff also return to consideration.

Veteran candidates must have been retired for more than 10 full calendar years while meeting requirements involving international appearances, first-division professional experience or Major Indoor Soccer League accomplishments.

The 2027 Builder ballot will focus exclusively on coaches as part of the Hall of Fame’s rotating selection format. Builders are divided into coaching, officiating and contributor categories, with different groups considered in designated years.

The Builder Screening Committee will reduce the 32 eligible coaches to four finalists.

Builder candidates must be at least 50 years old and have made a significant, lasting and positive contribution to soccer in the United States for at least 10 years. Their impact must have occurred at the national level or within a first-division professional competition.

Located at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, the National Soccer Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose playing careers, leadership and service have helped shape the sport throughout the United States.

The newly released eligibility lists represent the first stage of a detailed process that will ultimately determine the Hall of Fame’s 2027 class.