As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, Outsports has unveiled its inaugural Soccer Power 26, a collection of 26 influential LGBTQ people helping shape the future of men’s soccer. The list highlights players, executives, coaches, referees, media members, fan leaders, and advocates making a difference throughout the sport.
The timing is significant.
While women’s soccer has become known for visible LGBTQ representation, men’s soccer still has very few openly LGBTQ figures at the highest levels of competition. The World Cup itself begins with no openly gay players on participating men’s national teams.
Visibility Still Matters
The Soccer Power 26 project was created to spotlight people whose impact extends beyond the pitch.
According to Outsports, the list includes individuals from across the soccer ecosystem:
- current and former players
- executives
- coaches
- referees
- supporters’ group leaders
- journalists
- community advocates
Rather than ranking influence, the project focuses on celebrating visibility and leadership throughout the sport.
Familiar Names Lead the Group
Among the featured honorees are:
- Thomas Hitzlsperger
- Josh Cavallo
- Collin Martin
- Jill Ellis
- Phuti Lekoloane
These figures have become some of the most recognizable LGBTQ voices connected to soccer worldwide.
Josh Cavallo Remains a Symbol of Courage
One of the most influential active players on the list is Josh Cavallo.
When Cavallo publicly came out in 2021, he became one of the few openly gay male professional footballers competing in a top-flight league anywhere in the world. His decision sparked global headlines and helped encourage conversations about inclusion throughout men’s soccer.
Years later, his visibility continues to have enormous impact.
Thomas Hitzlsperger’s Influence Extends Beyond Playing
Former German international Thomas Hitzlsperger also features prominently on the list.
Nicknamed “The Hammer” during his playing career, Hitzlsperger represented Germany at the 2006 World Cup before later coming out publicly after retirement. Since then, he has served as an executive, television analyst, and advocate for LGBTQ visibility in football.
His career demonstrates how influence can continue long after a player leaves the field.
Men’s Soccer Still Faces Challenges
One theme running throughout the Soccer Power 26 project is the reality that men’s soccer remains one of the least openly LGBTQ-visible major sports.
Despite being the world’s most popular sport, very few elite male players have publicly come out while actively competing. Outsports noted that there are currently no openly gay players participating in the 2026 Men’s World Cup tournament.
That lack of visibility remains one of the sport’s biggest challenges.
The World Cup Provides a Global Stage
This year’s World Cup arrives at a particularly interesting moment.
Hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the tournament is expected to be the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. The event also coincides with expanded LGBTQ fan initiatives, including Pride Houses and inclusion-focused programming in several host cities.
Against that backdrop, highlighting LGBTQ leadership feels especially relevant.
Progress Happens Off the Field Too
One of the strengths of the Soccer Power 26 concept is its recognition that change doesn’t only come from star athletes.
Progress often comes from people working behind the scenes:
- administrators
- supporters
- journalists
- executives
- organizers
- advocates
Many of the people featured on the list have spent years helping create safer and more welcoming environments throughout the sport.
Soccer’s Future Looks Different
While representation in men’s soccer still trails many other sports, the existence of a list like Soccer Power 26 reflects meaningful change.
A generation ago, it would have been difficult to identify 26 openly LGBTQ people with significant influence across men’s soccer.
Today, those leaders exist across multiple countries, leagues, and professional roles.
A Reminder That Visibility Matters
The Soccer Power 26 is ultimately about recognition.
Recognition for people who:
- broke barriers
- challenged stereotypes
- built community
- created opportunities
- made the sport more inclusive
As the world’s attention turns toward the 2026 World Cup, Outsports’ message is simple:
Even if LGBTQ representation on the field remains limited, LGBTQ leadership throughout the sport is stronger and more visible than ever.