West Ham United’s iconic Claret and Blue are ready to light up North Carolina this June as the club embarks on an electrifying journey to The Soccer Tournament (TST).
The celebrated team is set to showcase its flair in a high-octane, $ 1 million winner-takes-all 7v7 world championship—and fans couldn’t be more excited.
A Bold Return to the Global Stage
This summer, West Ham United will join 47 other teams from across the globe at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary for an intense week of football from 4‑9 June.
The competition is not just about bragging rights; it’s a battle for glory and a chance to become TST champions. Having made waves during their debut in the inaugural TST back in 2023, the Hammers are determined to elevate their performance further.
Leadership and Legacy on the Pitch
At the heart of this ambitious campaign is club legend Anton Ferdinand, who returns as both player and coach—a dual role that promises strategy and inspiration alike.
Accompanying him is actor and lifelong supporter Hero Fiennes Tiffin, with an exciting mix of teammates from the realms of sport, cinema, and social media to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Anton Ferdinand summed up the team’s mindset perfectly: “We are going there to try and win it and if we can win it enjoying ourselves, fantastic. If not, as long as we represent the badge in the right way, that’s what matters to me.
The standard of play over there in 2023 was very, very high, so we know what to expect now, and the team that are playing will 100% know what they’ve got to do.”
He added with a nod to the club’s global fanbase: “A lot of places I go in the world, I always bump into West Ham fans. And it shows you how big we are as a football club, and that was no different to when we went to TST last time.”
Ferdinand’s passion for victory is unmistakable as he concluded: “West Ham don’t go places not to try and win things, and we’re going to try and win this competition. It’s fun. It’s quick. The level is very, very high, and our Club has entered into it to win it!”
High-Profile Competition and International Flair
The tournament is gathering an impressive line-up, with teams representing some of the most storied clubs and emerging powerhouses in world football.
Alongside West Ham United, the field includes British clubs such as AFC Bournemouth, Hashtag United, Plymouth Argyle, and Wrexham. International representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland will also bring their unique styles of play, while teams from the Caribbean and South Asia add to the competition’s colorful tapestry.
In addition, former champions Newtown Pride FC of Connecticut and the reigning 2024 champions La Bombonera of Delaware are in the mix, promising plenty of sparks as legends and rising stars collide on the pitch.
Expanding the Tournament: Women’s Edition
Not to be overlooked is the 16-team women’s tournament, a newly minted spectacle following the resounding success of the 2024 inaugural competition.
With former USWNT stars leading the charge, the US Women are aiming to defend their title, further intensifying the summer’s high-stakes football narrative.
A Celebration of Global Football and Club Spirit
TST CEO Jon Mugar shared his excitement over the Hammers’ return: “We’re excited to have West Ham back at TST. They brought a lot of excitement to our inaugural event and have been focused on winning TST ever since.”
This thrilling tournament not only spotlights the global appeal of West Ham United but also brings together a diverse mix of footballing talent, celebrities, and influencers—a true celebration of modern football culture.
Final Whistle
As West Ham United gears up for what promises to be a week of exhilarating, high-tempo action in North Carolina, supporters around the world are bracing for a tournament that encapsulates the spirit and ambition of modern football.
For more details on TST or to join the ticket waiting list, fans are encouraged to visit TheTournament.com/TST.
With the stage set and the buzz palpable, all eyes will be on West Ham United to see if their storied tradition can translate into tournament glory—and it’s safe to say that this summer, football will be anything but predictable.
