
Cagliari Calcio is pleased to announce its participation in the TST – The Soccer Tournament 2026, a prestigious international 7-a-side competition scheduled to take place from May 27 to June 1 in Cary, North Carolina (USA). For the Rossoblù, this marks a third consecutive appearance in an event that continues to grow in stature and relevance within the global sports and entertainment landscape.
A high-profile tournament bringing together top-level teams from around the world, TST stands out for its innovative format, highlighted by the “Target Score Time”: dynamic extra-time periods in which, every three minutes, each team removes one player until the winning goal is scored—potentially reaching a 2v2 scenario—enhancing spectacle, intensity, and excitement in a unique blend of football and entertainment, true to the American style.
TWO ICONS: THE FIRST NAMES REVEALED!
Through a video released on its official channels, the Club has unveiled the first players set to take part: two iconic figures in Rossoblù history, Andrea Cossu and Marco Sau. Born in 1980, Cossu is one of Sardinia’s finest talents, a key figure for Cagliari from 2008 to 2018 (257 appearances, 12 goals, 59 assists), becoming a symbol both on and off the pitch thanks to his technical quality and deep connection to the Club, also earning caps with the Italian national team. A shared path with Sau, born in 1987, a prolific forward combining goal-scoring instinct with technical ability, showcased throughout a long career that found its core at Cagliari—first in the Youth Sector and then in the First Team (202 appearances, 49 goals, 21 assists between 2012 and 2019).

A shared path with Sau, born in 1987, a prolific forward combining goal-scoring instinct with technical ability, showcased throughout a long career that found its core at Cagliari—first in the Youth Sector and then in the First Team (202 appearances, 49 goals, 21 assists between 2012 and 2019).
MORE THAN JUST FOOTBALL
Cagliari’s participation is part of a structured internationalization strategy involving every area of the Club—from on-field performance to brand activities, as well as the development of key assets and global relationships. A forward-looking project aimed at strengthening the Club’s presence beyond national borders while promoting Sardinia as a destination of excellence, identity, and passion. Alongside the sporting challenge, the experience in the United States once again represents a valuable cultural and networking opportunity. The tournament village at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary will serve as a hub for fans and football enthusiasts from across the globe. Through activities, entertainment, and shared experiences, Cagliari will bring its colors, its history, and the unique identity of Sardinia overseas.
A journey that goes far beyond competition: it is about openness, exchange, and growth. An opportunity to connect with the global Rossoblù community and continue building new bridges toward the future.
The Club will be supported in this journey by its partners: Reach Aut, Meridian, Palazzo Tirso, Delta Airlines and Sarda Tellus.
See you soon, States.
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Cagliari Calcio set for TST 2026: third consecutive appearance in the United States
Cagliari Calcio is pleased to announce its participation in the TST – The Soccer Tournament 2026, a prestigious international 7-a-side competition scheduled to take place from May 27 to June 1 in Cary, North Carolina (USA). For the Rossoblù, this marks a third consecutive appearance in an event that continues to grow in stature and relevance within the global sports and entertainment landscape.
A high-profile tournament bringing together top-level teams from around the world, TST stands out for its innovative format, highlighted by the “Target Score Time”: dynamic extra-time periods in which, every three minutes, each team removes one player until the winning goal is scored—potentially reaching a 2v2 scenario—enhancing spectacle, intensity, and excitement in a unique blend of football and entertainment, true to the American style.
TWO ICONS: THE FIRST NAMES REVEALED!
Through a video released on its official channels, the Club has unveiled the first players set to take part: two iconic figures in Rossoblù history, Andrea Cossu and Marco Sau. Born in 1980, Cossu is one of Sardinia’s finest talents, a key figure for Cagliari from 2008 to 2018 (257 appearances, 12 goals, 59 assists), becoming a symbol both on and off the pitch thanks to his technical quality and deep connection to the Club, also earning caps with the Italian national team.
A shared path with Sau, born in 1987, a prolific forward combining goal-scoring instinct with technical ability, showcased throughout a long career that found its core at Cagliari—first in the Youth Sector and then in the First Team (202 appearances, 49 goals, 21 assists between 2012 and 2019).
Further names will be announced in the coming weeks, with fans invited to follow the Club’s official channels to discover all updates and squad details ahead of departure.
Among the new features of the 2026 edition is Cagliari Calcio’s participation in the Cary Cup, the youth tournament running alongside the main competition. Supported this year by the U.S. Soccer Federation, TST also represents the final major soccer event hosted in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering a strategic and high-impact international stage.
MORE THAN JUST FOOTBALL
Cagliari’s participation is part of a structured internationalization strategy involving every area of the Club—from on-field performance to brand activities, as well as the development of key assets and global relationships. A forward-looking project aimed at strengthening the Club’s presence beyond national borders while promoting Sardinia as a destination of excellence, identity, and passion.
Alongside the sporting challenge, the experience in the United States once again represents a valuable cultural and networking opportunity. The tournament village at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary will serve as a hub for fans and football enthusiasts from across the globe. Through activities, entertainment, and shared experiences, Cagliari will bring its colors, its history, and the unique identity of Sardinia overseas.
A journey that goes far beyond competition: it is about openness, exchange, and growth. An opportunity to connect with the global Rossoblù community and continue building new bridges toward the future.
The Club will be supported in this journey by its partners: Reach Aut, Meridian, Palazzo Tirso, Delta Airlines and Sarda Tellus.
See you soon, States.