RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WGNS News) - Rutherford County is welcoming thousands of young athletes and visitors this week as the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Championships for girls take place in Murfreesboro and Smyrna.

Competition is underway and will continue through July 23 at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro and Rotary Soccer Park in Smyrna. The tournament features leading girls’ soccer teams in the 13U through 19U age divisions competing for national titles.

The participating teams earned their places in the championship tournament after advancing through highly competitive state and regional events. The national competition is widely regarded as the “Crown Jewel of Youth Soccer” and is considered one of the country’s premier youth sporting events.

More than 300 teams and approximately 7,000 players are expected to participate. Tournament organizers also anticipate more than 10,000 spectators will travel to Rutherford County, creating additional business for hotels, restaurants, retailers and local attractions.

“The Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to welcome the US Youth Soccer Girls’ National Championships to Rutherford County this week,” said Barbara Wolke, senior vice president of the Rutherford County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The tournament is projected to create a significant economic impact through overnight stays, dining, shopping and local attractions while showcasing Rutherford County as a premier destination for youth sports tourism. We appreciate the partnership of US Youth Soccer and our local facilities, including the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro and Rotary Soccer Park in Smyrna, in hosting this nationally recognized event.”

The influx of athletes, coaches and families is expected to provide a substantial boost to Rutherford County’s tourism economy. Visitors attending the tournament are also being encouraged to explore the area’s restaurants, parks, shops and family-oriented destinations.

Local attractions include downtown Murfreesboro, Stones River National Battlefield and numerous recreational and cultural sites throughout the county.

Presented by New York Life, the US Youth Soccer National Championships mark the culmination of the organization’s longstanding championship series. Only teams that successfully advance through earlier levels of competition earn the opportunity to compete for a national championship.

The event also highlights Rutherford County’s continued growth as a destination for regional and national athletic tournaments. The county’s soccer facilities and proximity to dining, lodging and entertainment have helped attract large-scale sporting events that generate tourism revenue and introduce visitors to Murfreesboro, Smyrna and surrounding communities.

Tournament schedules and event information are available through US Youth Soccer. Information about lodging, restaurants and Rutherford County attractions can be found through VisitRutherfordTN.com.