SheBelieves Cup: A Dream Realized and a Legacy for Women in Soccer

The SheBelieves Cup: More Than a Tournament

For years, I dreamed of hosting the SheBelieves Cup, an event that has become a defining moment for women’s soccer in the United States. Last week in Houston, a city known for its diversity and passion for sports, that dream became reality.

The SheBelieves Cup, founded by U.S. Soccer in 2016, was created to inspire young girls and prove that women belong at every level of the game—on the field, in the broadcast booth, and in leadership roles shaping the sport’s future. As we approach the FIFA World Cup 2026 in North America, tournaments like this play a crucial role in growing the game and solidifying the U.S. as a powerhouse in global soccer.

The Road to 2026: How SheBelieves Shapes the Future of Women’s Soccer

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, interest in soccer is at an all-time high. The SheBelieves Cup serves as a key event leading up to this historic tournament, showcasing top-tier competition among national teams and demonstrating the U.S.'s commitment to advancing the sport for women and girls.

For soccer analysts and fans alike, this tournament provides a preview of emerging talent and key players who will shape the future of the USWNT and global women’s soccer. As the sport grows, so does the need for greater media coverage, expert analysis, and representation in broadcasting. Events like SheBelieves ensure that women’s voices—both on and off the field—are heard.

Houston: A Fitting Stage for a Defining Moment

Hosting the SheBelieves Cup in Houston, a city built on diversity and inclusion, was especially meaningful at a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts are under attack at the federal level. Soccer is a global game that thrives on diversity, and ensuring equal opportunities in sports media, coaching, and leadership is essential to its growth.

As a sports presenter and soccer analyst, my mission is to uplift female athletes and empower the next generation to take up space in this industry. The SheBelieves Cup is a platform that makes that possible.

SheBelieves and the Future of Women in Sports Media

With women’s soccer on the rise, the demand for experienced soccer analysts, presenters, and broadcasters has never been greater. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring unprecedented attention to North American soccer, and women’s voices must be part of that narrative.

By investing in tournaments like the SheBelieves Cup, we are building the foundation for a future where women’s sports receive equal recognition, media coverage, and funding. It’s a reminder that representation matters—not just on the field, but in the stories we tell and the voices we amplify.

A Message to the Next Generation

To every young girl watching: Your dreams are valid. Your voice is powerful. And the future of soccer belongs to you.

Check out my LinkedIn posts about the tournament as well.

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Haiyah Kofler