U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy Soccer Team Advances to World Cup Final
The U.S. Men’s Cerebral Palsy (CP) National Team will play in its first-ever World Cup final. The team earned its spot with wins over Ireland and Spain at the 2026 International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) World Cup.
The U.S. faces England for the world title on Saturday, October 24.
This year’s tournament is taking place at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville, Georgia. It’s the first major international competition held at the new facility.
Every player on the U.S. team has cerebral palsy or another brain-related condition that affects movement, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
Their run is a great example of how sports can help people with CP of all ages and abilities stay active, build confidence, and connect with others.
How the U.S. Reached the Cerebral Palsy Football World Cup Final
The U.S. cerebral palsy football team has played strong soccer on both ends of the field throughout the tournament. In the quarterfinals, John Sullivan and Jonah Meyer-Crothers each scored in the first half to beat Ireland 2-0. The team then beat Spain 2-0 in the semifinal to reach the final.
- 1 goal allowed through 5 matches
- 4 goals each for Sullivan and Meyer-Crothers
- 4 matches without allowing a goal
- 20 goals scored through 5 matches
This is the first World Cup final in program history. The team’s best finish before this year came in 2022, when it placed fourth.
What Is CP Soccer?
CP soccer, also called CP football, is a version of the sport for players with cerebral palsy, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. Players are grouped into sport classes based on how their condition affects their movement, which helps keep matches fair.
The sport joined the Paralympic Games in 1988. The International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (IFCPF) has governed it since 2015.
The U.S. has more than 1 team at this year’s tournament. Both the U.S. men’s team and the U.S. women’s CP national team qualified for the 2026 IFCPF World Cup, held October 12 through 24 at the new training center.
The U.S. and Spain first played each other at the 1996 Paralympic Games in Atlanta. Their 2026 semifinal was their fourth meeting overall and their first under the IFCPF.
How Sports Can Help Kids and Adults With Cerebral Palsy
Watching elite athletes with CP is inspiring, but you don’t have to play at the World Cup level to get real benefits from sports. Research shows that kids with CP tend to be less active than their peers, which can affect both their physical and emotional health.
A 2024 review of studies on children with CP found that most sports improved motor function, coordination, and quality of life.
Sports can also complement physical therapy and give kids what therapy sessions can’t always offer, like teammates, friendships, and a sense of belonging.
Our own Patient Advocate Amie Kroessig knows this firsthand. Amie, who has CP, started playing soccer at age 3 and kept playing competitively through high school and into college.
Read more in Amie’s story about playing soccer with cerebral palsy.
“If my experience tells you anything, let it be that the feeling of fear is nothing compared to the feeling of pride once you’ve achieved something unexpected.”
— Amie Kroessig, Patient Advocate and Outreach Coordinator living with CP
Ways to Help a Child With CP Get Started With Sports
Every child with cerebral palsy has different abilities, interests, and needs. The right sport is one your child enjoys and can participate in safely, whether that is soccer, swimming, dance, or something else entirely.
Here are a few ways families can get started:
- Ask your child’s physical therapist which activities fit their abilities and goals
- Look for adaptive or inclusive programs through local parks and recreation departments or community support organizations
- Start with an activity your child already shows interest in
- Watch CP athletes compete together, like during the 2026 IFCPF World Cup, to spark excitement
Small steps can lead to big moments. Many athletes on the U.S. team started out just like any other kid, by trying a sport and sticking with it.
If your family has questions about CP treatment, therapy, or support, our team is here to help.
Contact us at (855) 220-1101 to talk with a member of our team for free.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
