Record-Breaking Global Turnout For 2025 Target USA Cup In Blaine
BLAINE, Minn. (July 21, 2025) — The world’s largest youth soccer tournament has once again transformed Blaine into an international hub of sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and global celebration.
The 2025 Target USA Cup, held July 11–19 at the National Sports Center (NSC), marked its historic 40th anniversary with record-breaking participation and worldwide representation.
More than 1,250 teams from 17 countries and 27 U.S. states converged on Blaine for the weeklong tournament — the highest number in the event’s four-decade history.
“We’re really excited,” said Sara Soli, spokesperson for the National Sports Center. “It’s our 40th Target USA Cup. We’re welcoming more teams than ever before, and they’re coming from across the globe.”
For the first time, the USA Cup hosted a team from Uruguay, and welcomed girls’ teams from Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the tournament’s growing international inclusivity. More than 525 referees from around the world officiated the matches, contributing to the truly global atmosphere.
Opening Ceremonies: A Festival of Culture
Held on Tuesday, July 15, the opening ceremonies were a vibrant and colorful celebration of diversity, unity, and the beautiful game. Teams marched into the stadium under their respective flags while music, entertainment, and cheers filled the air.
“Opening ceremonies are the big culmination of everyone coming together,” said Soli. “It’s a celebration not just of soccer, but of the world.”
The USA Cup prides itself on being an inclusive and welcoming event. While some teams opted not to attend this year due to logistical or personal reasons, Soli emphasized that the door remains open.
“We welcome everyone,” she said. “Soccer is a safe space. We want this to be a celebration of the sport and of the world.”
More Than Just Soccer
While the action on the field remains the primary draw, the USA Cup also offers a wide array of off-field experiences. Partner Target sponsored numerous activities across the NSC campus to keep players and families engaged between matches.
“Target sets up these great activities across campus,” Soli noted. “It really gives kids things to do between games — and keeps their siblings entertained too.”
Four Decades of Growth
From its modest beginnings, the Target USA Cup has grown into a massive soccer festival spread across nearly 60 fields at one of the largest youth sports complexes in the world. The National Sports Center, which opened in 1990, has become synonymous with youth sports excellence.
“This started as a very simple, small tournament on a few fields,” Soli said. “Now it’s a global event.”
A Point of Pride for Blaine
The significance of the Target USA Cup extends far beyond sports. According to Blaine Mayor Tim Sanders, the tournament plays a central role in shaping the city's identity.
“The Target USA Cup is special — more so than even the 3M Open — in bringing the world to the city of Blaine to play,” Sanders said. “It’s one of my favorite slogans, ‘where the world comes to play.’ With 1,200 teams and nearly 40 countries represented, it’s a really special place.”
Soli added, “I think Blaine is really shaping up to be the sports capital of Minnesota. The USA Cup is just one of those events that makes it so.”
With its unmatched scale, passionate participants, and vibrant international spirit, the 2025 Target USA Cup cemented its legacy as a cornerstone of global youth sports — and a crown jewel for Blaine.
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