FRISCO, Texas — November 13, 2025 — The National Soccer Hall of Fame has announced the six remarkable figures who will make up its 2026 induction class, representing a cross-section of American soccer excellence across the women’s and men’s national teams, Major League Soccer, indoor soccer, and refereeing. This year’s inductees include Tobin Heath, Heather O’Reilly, Chris Wondolowski, Tony Sanneh, Kevin Crow, and Kari Seitz, each honored for their unique contributions to the growth and success of the sport in the United States.
The six honorees will officially enter the Hall of Fame on May 1, 2026, during a ceremony at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
USWNT Icons Elected in First Year of Eligibility
Two of the most decorated players in U.S. women’s soccer history, Tobin Heath and Heather O’Reilly, were elected from the Player Ballot in their first year of eligibility—an uncommon and prestigious distinction.
Tobin Heath: A Career of Creativity, Medals, and Moments
Known for her distinct flair and ability to break open matches, Heath recorded 181 caps, 36 goals, and 42 assists for the USWNT. Her résumé includes:
- Two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles (2015, 2019)
- Two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012) and a 2021 Olympics bronze
- Four World Cup appearances
- U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year (2016)
- Three-time NWSL Best XI selection
Heath’s club career spanned the NWSL, WPS, and four seasons in Europe with PSG, Manchester United, and Arsenal. Her induction news was delivered during a recording of The RE-CAP Show by her mother Cindy and wife and former USWNT teammate Christen Press.
Heather O’Reilly: The Eternal Competitor
Few players embody the USWNT ethos like O’Reilly. Across 231 caps—fifth-most in program history—she scored 47 goals and played in:
- Three Women’s World Cups
- Three Olympic tournaments, winning gold in 2004, 2008, and 2012
- A World Cup championship in 2015
Her professional journey included three seasons in WPS, six in the NWSL—winning titles with Sky Blue (2009), FC Kansas City (2015), and North Carolina Courage (2019)—plus stints with Arsenal (winning the 2018 League Cup) and Shelbourne FC in Ireland. Her selection was revealed at the University of North Carolina by Hall of Famer Anson Dorrance, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, and her family.
MLS Legend Chris Wondolowski Joins the Hall
Retiring in 2021 as Major League Soccer’s all-time leading scorer, Chris Wondolowski enters the Hall with a legacy built on consistency, work ethic, and elite finishing.
Wondolowski spent 17 MLS seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo, tallying:
- 171 regular-season goals
- Three MLS Best XI selections
- Two Golden Boots (2010, 2012)
For the U.S. Men’s National Team, he earned 35 caps and appeared in two matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His family delivered the induction news during a gathering in Danville, California.
Indoor Great Kevin Crow Elected From Veteran Ballot
Indoor soccer legend Kevin Crow—one of the most accomplished players in MISL history—joins the Hall from the Veteran Ballot.
Crow earned five All-MISL First Team selections and won six MISL championships with the San Diego Sockers during their dynasty years between 1986–1992. Outdoors, Crow spent two seasons in the NASL and earned 13 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team, participating in World Cup qualifiers and the 1984 and 1988 Olympics.
Hall of Famer Marcelo Balboa surprised Crow with his election during a meeting at Ballistic Soccer Club, where Crow currently serves as technical director.
Tony Sanneh: World Cup Hero and MLS Pioneer
Also elected from the Veteran Ballot, Tony Sanneh is forever linked with the USMNT’s memorable 2002 World Cup run, where he played every minute of the United States’ five matches—including the legendary quarterfinal against Germany.
Sanneh’s multi-league career included:
- 43 USMNT caps
- Eight MLS seasons
- Two MLS Cup championships with D.C. United (1996, 1997)
- Two U.S. Open Cup titles
- Six seasons in Germany’s top leagues
He additionally logged time in the APSL, USL, USISL, and the NPSL. His induction news was delivered by Hall of Famer Brian McBride at The Sanneh Foundation in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
Referee Kari Seitz Elected From Builder Ballot
One of the most influential officials in American soccer history, Kari Seitz enters the Hall from the Builder Ballot. Seitz is a trailblazer: the only referee to work four Women’s World Cups and three Olympic Games.
Her officiating career included roles in MLS, WUSA, WPS, and the NWSL, and she refereed championship finals in multiple leagues. Since 2024, Seitz has served as U.S. Soccer’s Vice President of Refereeing, though her eligibility derives from accomplishments prior to that role.
Hall of Famer Esse Baharmast surprised her during the National Referees Coach Camp in Orlando.
Voting Breakdown
The 2026 ballots reaffirmed the impact these six individuals had across different eras and areas of the game:
- Player Ballot: Heath (93.8%), O’Reilly (97.9%), Wondolowski (77.1%)
- Veteran Ballot: Sanneh (87.5%), Crow (79.2%)
- Builder Ballot: Seitz (79.2%)
Full results and eligibility guidelines are available at NationalSoccerHOF.com.
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