Overview
- U.S. Soccer announced Thursday that Don Garber will serve as chair of Soccer Forward, with Garber moving from MLS commissioner into an MLS chairman role and Larry Berg set to become MLS commissioner on Jan. 1, 2027.
- Garber’s new remit will center on fundraising and partner recruitment to scale Soccer Forward programs, including Soccer at Schools, Places to Play, Soccer Forward Fests and the Kang Women’s Institute.
- U.S. Soccer framed the hire as a way to turn the heightened interest from the 2026 World Cup into sustained investment and growth ahead of the 2028 Olympics and the 2031 Women’s World Cup.
- Garber brings more than four decades in professional sports, including his long MLS tenure and earlier NFL work, experience U.S. Soccer says will help attract business, philanthropic and government partners.
- U.S. Soccer plans to expand playing opportunities and equipment in underserved communities through Soccer Forward, a push that could raise youth participation and create clearer pathways to higher-level play.