Don Garber appointed chair of U.S. Soccer’s Soccer Forward foundation

Don Garber has been named chair of Soccer Forward, the U.S. Soccer foundation tasked with widening access to the game and converting the post-2026 World Cup spotlight into long-term growth across America.

Garber takes on U.S. Soccer growth brief

The longtime MLS commissioner will work with U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone, chief executive and secretary general JT Batson, and the federation’s wider leadership group to attract investment, build partnerships and direct more resources toward local football programmes.

Soccer Forward supports U.S. Soccer’s 119 member organisations, covering every state, while also backing community-based projects. Its remit includes participation, facilities, school football and the development of the women’s game through technical and commercial assistance.

Garber brings more than four decades in professional sport, including his MLS leadership and an earlier spell in the NFL. He remains a U.S. Soccer board member and received the federation’s Werner Fricker Award in 2023.

What Soccer Forward is targeting

The foundation is central to U.S. Soccer’s plan to make the sport easier to play, watch and support at grassroots level. Its existing programmes include Places to Play, Soccer Forward Fests and the Kang Women’s Institute.

One major project is Soccer at Schools, launched with Bank of America. The scheme is aiming to ensure every school in the United States can offer soccer by 2030.

Its ambassador group includes Crystal Palace and United States defender Chris Richards, USWNT player Ally Sentnor, plus former internationals Tony Sanneh and Jozy Altidore.

1. Garber helped shape MLS’s growth and was involved in the successful bid that brought the 2026 World Cup to the United States.
2. MLS and U.S. Soccer previously worked closely through Soccer United Marketing, which handled commercial and promotional work for both until the federation assumed responsibility for selling its media rights in 2022.
3. Following the 2026 World Cup, U.S. Soccer is attempting to sustain the increased attention around the game.
4. The 2028 Olympics and the 2031 Women’s World Cup are the next major milestones in that strategy.

Leadership sees a post-World Cup opportunity

Batson said the coming years could sharply accelerate soccer’s progress in the country, but stressed that collective work would be required. He praised Garber’s record of uniting people behind major projects and said the appointment would strengthen U.S. Soccer’s ability to pursue its long-term ambitions.

Garber said this was an especially significant moment for the American game. He said he would seek to convene figures from business, philanthropy, government and football to create a lasting benefit for future generations.

Parlow Cone said Garber’s experience, network and belief in the sport’s potential made him well suited to turn the current opportunity into durable progress. Her focus is on creating more chances for people in every community to play, follow and engage with soccer.

• Garber’s priority is securing funding, partners and practical resources for Soccer Forward.
• The foundation will support nationwide member bodies alongside local community organisations.
• Women’s football is a specific focus, with business and technical development support planned.
• The immediate challenge is maintaining momentum after the 2026 World Cup ahead of 2028 and 2031.

What happens next for MLS

Garber’s expanded U.S. Soccer role comes with MLS already preparing its leadership transition. In August, the league’s Board of Governors chose LAFC co-founder Larry Berg as its next commissioner ahead of former Fox Sports executive David Nathanson.

Berg is scheduled to become commissioner in January. Garber will then move into the role of MLS chairman in 2027 while beginning his Soccer Forward chairmanship.