Gerard Piqué’s Kings League, the innovative seven-a-side soccer league founded by the former Barcelona and Spain defender, has announced its intention to launch the format in the United States by 2026. The announcement, made on Saturday, marks another significant step in the league’s global expansion strategy, which already includes successful ventures in Europe and Latin America.
The decision comes as the popularity of compact soccer formats, such as futsal and seven-a-side games, continues to rise in North America, driven by the success of initiatives like the Premier Development League and the National Premier Soccer League. Piqué, who has been a key figure in the development of the league since its inception, emphasized the potential for the U.S. market to embrace the fast-paced, high-intensity nature of seven-a-side soccer.
The U.S. launch is expected to coincide with the continued growth of soccer in the country, with major leagues like Major League Soccer (MLS) and the USL Championship seeing increased investment and fan engagement. Piqué’s Kings League aims to complement these existing structures by offering a unique format that attracts both local and international audiences, potentially creating new opportunities for player development and competitive play.
While the league’s expansion plan is still in its early stages, the announcement has generated significant interest among fans and industry insiders. Piqué’s vision for the league continues to gain momentum, with the 2026 target serving as a clear benchmark for the league’s global ambitions.