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Three U.S. Disability Soccer Teams Reach World Cup Podiums
October 28, 20262 min read
The women's cerebral palsy team won the World Cup
The U.S. Women's Cerebral Palsy National Team won the 2026 IFCPF World Cup on Oct. 23, coming back from 2-0 down at halftime to beat Australia 3-2 at U.S. Soccer's National Training Center in Fayetteville, Ga. It's the team's second world title, after the inaugural women's tournament in 2022. The U.S. won all four of its matches and outscored opponents 26-4. Jesslyn Kuhnel was named the tournament's most valuable player. (U.S. Soccer)
The men's cerebral palsy team took silver
The U.S. Men's Cerebral Palsy National Team reached its first World Cup final and lost 2-1 to England in extra time on Oct. 24. Second place is the best finish in the program's history. The team scored 21 goals and allowed three across six matches. (U.S. Soccer)
The power soccer team won bronze
In Buenos Aires, the U.S. Power Soccer National Team beat host Argentina 2-1 in the third-place match on Oct. 23. Lexi Heer scored the winner in stoppage time. The U.S. has finished in the top three at all five FIPFA Powerchair Football World Cups. (U.S. Soccer)
What these sports are
Cerebral palsy (CP) soccer is played by athletes with cerebral palsy, a stroke or a traumatic brain injury. Power soccer is a competitive team sport for power wheelchair users, played indoors on a basketball court with a larger ball.
Where young players can start
- TOPSoccer is the recreational starting point for children with intellectual, emotional or physical disabilities, offered through local US Youth Soccer clubs.
- CP Soccer runs teams, camps and virtual sessions for players ages 7 to 18 with ambulatory CP, stroke or brain injury, and supports a path to the national teams. (CP Soccer)
- U.S. Power Soccer Association lists member teams by state. Players must be at least 5 for competition and able to handle their own chair safely. (USPSA)
Our TOPSoccer guide explains how to find a program that fits your child, and our accessible and affordable programs guide covers more options.