The Yellow Submarine will be the only Spanish representative taking part in the prestigious one‑million‑dollar tournament

Villarreal CF return to TST and will be the only representative of Spanish football in the prestigious one‑million‑dollar tournament. A 7v7 football competition with a vibrant and innovative format, held every year in the American city of Cary, located in North Carolina.

For the third consecutive season, Villarreal rises to the challenge and takes part in this major competition, which features no fewer than 159 matches in just six days. A standout event bringing together a total of 76 teams, split across men’s (48), women’s (16) and mixed (12) categories, from 14 countries and more than 2,000 players coming from as many as 27 nations around the world. All of them competing for one of the three one‑million‑euro prizes awarded to the winner of each category.

In recent years, this tournament, which was launched in 2023, has attracted the attention of Europe’s top clubs, who have identified it as an appealing opportunity to break into the North American sports market. In previous editions, Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund, Atlético de Madrid and West Ham United, alongside Villarreal, have taken part with their respective legends.

Kick-off times and how to follow the matches live

• Villarreal CF v Cagliari, Wednesday, May 27 at 6.30pm in Spain (12.30pm local time)
• Villarreal CF v Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Wednesday, May 27 at 1.15am in Spain (7.15pm local time)
• Club América v Villarreal CF, Thursday, May 28 at 11.00pm in Spain (5.00pm local time)

TST matches can be watched live via the tournament’s official YouTube channel.

TST and Villarreal’s commitment to the North American market

For the Yellow Submarine, North America is one of the key markets in its global expansion strategy. In fact, through its international development project, Villarreal CF has significantly increased the number of academies it operates across both the United States and Canada. In the USA, the club already has 9 academies, while in its neighbouring country it runs 5 more across the territory. In total, more than 5,000 young talents are trained under the club’s methodology while enjoying the sport in Villarreal colours.

Within this expansion context, Villarreal have found in TST a major opportunity to enhance brand visibility and recognition among American audiences, taking part in a competition whose format is tailored to younger fans and new consumption trends.

More than 50,000 people attended the tournament live from the stands, with supporters coming from all 50 US states, as well as Mexico, Canada and even the United Kingdom. TST also enjoys significant media coverage on national television, with American network NBC broadcasting key matches on its main channel.

A partnership that goes beyond the sporting spectacle

Villarreal’s involvement in TST goes beyond participation in the tournament itself. In collaboration with the event and the club’s official academies in the United States, Villarreal organises nine training clinics for children aged between 8 and 16.

After registering via the TST website, young attendees can take part in these training sessions and even be selected for a one‑week training experience at Villarreal CF’s facilities in Spain, training like professionals and receiving guidance from top coaches at an academy that has produced world‑class players such as Rodrigo Hernández, Nico Jackson, Pau Torres, Yeremy Pino, Álex Baena and Gerard Moreno.

A showcase of Yellow legends and the iconic Chad ‘Ochocinco’

Placed in Group F alongside Cagliari, Club América and Fort Lauderdale Strikers, the Submarine will aim to reach the knockout rounds with a squad full of former Villarreal players.

Led by a World Cup and European champion such as Pepe Reina and a Europa League winner with Villarreal like Mario Gaspar, the roster will feature notable names including Mateo Musacchio, Víctor Ruiz, Tomás Pina, David Fuster and Xisco Nadal. On the bench, decisions will be made by César Arzo, a former player and current member of Villarreal’s first-team coaching staff.

In addition to this impressive lineup of former footballers, Villarreal CF have also added NFL legend Chad ‘Ochocinco’ to the squad this season. A well-known figure in the United States, he will represent the Yellow Submarine and act as an ambassador for the club among the passionate North American audience.

In previous editions, Villarreal also included international former players such as Marcos Senna (European champion with Spain), Sergio Asenjo (Europa League winner) and the talented Italian-American striker Giuseppe Rossi.

Beyond Villarreal, other well-known figures who have taken part in the tournament include Pat McAfee, Cesc Fàbregas, Patrick Cutrone, Kun Agüero, Nani, Noah Beck, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Borja Valero, Marco Materazzi, Javier Zanetti and Maicon, among others.