World Cup Hero Set to Transform U.S. Soccer Forever as Unopposed Candidate Prepares for Victory
The leadership of U.S. Soccer Federation looks set to remain with current president Cindy Parlow Cone, who is expected to run without opposition for the position during the annual general assembly scheduled for mid-February in Atlanta.
Parlow Cone has held the U.S. Soccer presidency since 2020, when she succeeded Carlos Cordeiro, who won the 2018 election in an eight-candidate race but stepped down midway through his term amid legal disputes with the U.S. women's national team, allowing the 2019-elected vice president, Parlow Cone, to assume the top role.
With no challengers this cycle, the sitting president will maintain her leadership position, according to reports from The Athletic.
A former USWNT athlete, she competed in the 2022 presidential race, overcoming Cordeiro, who attempted to reclaim his former position. Since that victory, U.S. Soccer has engaged in extensive planning for the 2026 World Cup on American territory, which will mark the second occasion where the U.S. men's national team shares prize money distributions with the women's national team.
The 2018 electoral process, which brought Cordeiro to power initially, concluded the leadership period of Sunil Gulati, who guided the federation from 2006 to 2018.
Two World Cups, Olympics on the Horizon
Two World Cups, Olympics on the Horizon
Through an uncontested campaign, Parlow Cone will secure a second term extending through the 2030 elections, and she would remain qualified to seek reelection that year, having served only two terms under the USSF's three-term presidential maximum.
Therefore, her upcoming term will represent one of the most pivotal periods in American soccer development, overseeing preparations for the 2026 World Cup, including the appointment of USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, while establishing foundations for the 2031 World Cup, where the U.S. will serve as lead co-host with Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica.
U.S. Soccer will additionally participate in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, working alongside the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee and local organizing bodies.
Throughout her tenure, Parlow Cone has assumed positions on the FIFA and Concacaf Councils, functioning as an influential figure within North American and international soccer beyond U.S. boundaries, while transitioning from her coaching position in North Carolina to concentrate fully on sports administration.
In 2025, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and 1999 World Cup champion was also included on Forbes' America's Most Powerful Women list, placing 14th among 25 honorees, having guided the federation through extensive preparations and organizational changes.
"It's been an honor to serve as President of the U.S. Soccer Federation," Parlow Cone stated. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue serving alongside our members as we bring people together, run a financially strong and sustainable Federation, and serve the entire soccer community."