The world’s biggest sporting event is approaching, bringing renewed attention to the athletes who have shaped the game.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and will be the largest in history, expanding to 48 teams and 104 matches. As global attention turns to soccer, the stories behind the sport are resonating far beyond the pitch.
For organizations looking to tap into that momentum, soccer legends bring more than highlight reels. They offer perspective on leadership, resilience, teamwork, and performing under pressure. These lessons translate across industries and audiences.
The following speakers are among the most recognizable names in the sport. Each brings a story that connects with audiences year-round.
Tim Howard
Former U.S. National Soccer Team Goalkeeper; NBC Sports Soccer Analyst Known for “Premier League Mornings,” “Premier League Live” & “Goal Zone”
Tim Howard is one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in U.S. soccer history. He holds the record for most caps and wins by a U.S. goalkeeper and played in three FIFA World Cups, including a performance that set the record for most saves in a single match.
He spent 13 seasons in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Everton. During that time, he won an FA Cup and was named Premier League Goalkeeper of the Year. He began his professional career with the New York Metrostars and later returned to MLS with the Colorado Rapids, earning All-Star, All-League, and Humanitarian of the Year honors. In 2024, he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Off the field, Howard is a leading advocate for Tourette Syndrome awareness. Today, he serves as a studio analyst for NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage and is part of the Houston Dynamo FC ownership group.
Abby Wambach
Soccer Legend & Olympic Gold Medalist; Gender Equality Activist; New York Times Bestselling Author
Abby Wambach is one of the most decorated players in women’s soccer history. She won a FIFA Women’s World Cup and two Olympic gold medals and was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year six times.
Since retiring, she has become a prominent voice in leadership and equality. Her books, including “WOLFPACK” and “Forward: A Memoir,” are New York Times bestsellers. “WOLFPACK” grew out of her widely viewed commencement speech on leadership and equal pay.
She co-hosts the “We Can Do Hard Things” podcast and hosts “Abby’s Places” on ESPN+. Wambach is also a founder and part owner of Angel City FC and serves on the board of Together Rising.
Landon Donovan
Former Major League Soccer Player & U.S. National Team Star; Co-Founder & Head Coach of San Diego Loyal
Landon Donovan is one of the most influential figures in American soccer. He holds the all-time assists record for the U.S. Men’s National Team and shares the record for most international goals scored by a male U.S. player.
In MLS, Donovan won six MLS Cups and remains the league’s all-time assists leader. The MVP award was later renamed in his honor. On the international stage, he helped lead the U.S. to the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, where he earned Best Young Player. He also became one of the top American goal scorers in World Cup history.
After retiring from play, Donovan moved into leadership roles as co-founder and head coach of San Diego Loyal. He has also worked as a broadcaster and has taken public stands against discrimination within the sport.
Brandi Chastain
Two-Time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion & Olympic Gold Medalist; Co-Founder of BAWSI
Brandi Chastain is best known for her penalty kick that secured the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the United States, one of the most iconic moments in sports history.
Over her career, she won two World Cups and two Olympic gold medals. She was later named to the USWNT All-Time Best XI and inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
Chastain has remained deeply involved in the sport through coaching and advocacy. She co-founded the Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative (BAWSI), which expands access to sports for girls in underserved communities. Her book “It’s Not About the Bra” reflects on competition, leadership, and personal growth.
Alex Morgan
Olympic Gold Medalist & FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion; Co-Founder of TOGETHXR & Trybe Ventures
Alex Morgan has been one of the most recognizable figures in global soccer. She won FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2015 and 2019 and Olympic gold in 2012, along with a silver medal in Tokyo.
At the club level, she won the NWSL Golden Boot in 2022 and helped lead San Diego Wave FC to the NWSL Shield in 2023. She also competed internationally with Olympique Lyonnais and contributed to a UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
Off the field, Morgan has expanded her impact through media and business. She co-founded TOGETHXR, Just Live CBD, and Trybe Ventures and authored “The Kicks” book series. She has also been named to TIME’s list of the 100 most influential people.
Briana Scurry
World Cup Champion & Olympic Gold Medalist; Concussion Awareness Advocate & National Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee
Briana Scurry is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in women’s soccer history. She earned 173 international caps and helped lead the United States to two Olympic gold medals and a World Cup victory.
Her defining moment came in the 1999 World Cup final, where her penalty kick save secured the championship.
After retiring due to a concussion, Scurry became a leading advocate for traumatic brain injury awareness. Her memoir “My Greatest Save” and the documentary “The Only” highlight her journey and advocacy work. She was named to the USWNT All-Time Best XI and inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
More top soccer speakers to consider
Beyond the names above, a number of other influential figures from the soccer world continue to shape the game and bring compelling perspectives to audiences:
- Megan Rapinoe — Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion; Author of “One Life” & Equal Pay Advocate
- Mia Hamm — Two-Time World Cup Champion & Olympic Gold Medalist; Author & Philanthropist
- Clint Dempsey — Retired U.S. Soccer Star; National Soccer Hall of Fame Inductee & Broadcast Analyst
- Hope Solo — Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion; Former U.S. Goalkeeper
- Cobi Jones — Soccer Hall of Famer; Sports Broadcaster & Angel City FC Owner
- Tony Meola — U.S. Men’s Soccer Hall of Famer; MLS Color Analyst & Host of SiriusXM FC’s “Counter Attack”
- Ashlyn Harris — Two-Time World Champion; Podcast Host & Mental Health Advocate
- Alexi Lalas — FOX Sports Commentator & Former MLS Player
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, interest in soccer continues to grow. These athletes offer perspectives on leadership, resilience, and performance that resonate far beyond the field.
All American Entertainment (AAE) has booked over 20,000 events and secured nearly $500 million in speaking talent for organizations worldwide. Trusted by organizations including Google, Microsoft, IBM, Toyota, Coca-Cola, Visa, Salesforce, and leading universities around the globe to find and book world-class speakers.
