Overview
- U.S. Soccer vice president Oguchi Onyewu confirmed there will be no January camp in 2026 and that future camps will be held each December beginning in 2026.
- The decision follows consultation with MLS to reduce overlap with club preseason after some teams declined January call-ups in 2025 because the camp sits outside FIFA windows.
- December scheduling is intended to preserve the camp’s evaluative role for domestic-based players while better fitting recovery cycles, though clubs will still not be obliged to release players.
- The shift acknowledges the camp’s track record in launching MLS talents, with 2025 participants such as Max Arfsten, Diego Luna and Jack McGlynn emerging as contenders for the 2026 World Cup roster.
- The new timing brings operational challenges, including holiday travel, colder weather and venue conflicts with the NFL and college bowls, with only a March 2026 FIFA window preceding World Cup roster selections.