National Soccer Hall of Fame Announces 2027 Semifinalists for Veteran, Builder Ballots
FRISCO, Texas (Aug. 11, 2026) — The National Soccer Hall of Fame today released the names of the semifinalists on the Veteran and Builder ballots for the Class of 2027.
The Player Ballot, which considers players who have been retired for at least three years but no more than 10 years, is in the screening process. The Hall of Fame released the names of all eligible candidates in July.
The Veteran Ballot is the path to the Hall of Fame for players who have been retired for more than 10 full calendar years. The Builder Ballot is the path to the Hall of Fame for individuals who contribute to the sport in a non-playing capacity.
Builders are listed in three categories: referees, coaches and contributors. Since the 2022 election, Builder selections have been limited each year to a rotation of the three categories — or to a selection from the full pool of candidates. The 2027 Builder election is open to coaches only.
The finalists for all three ballots will be announced at the conclusion of the screening process. Player, Veteran and Builder Voting Committees will elect a maximum of six new Hall of Fame members — as many as three Players and two Veterans can be selected, along with one Builder.
The 19 Veteran semifinalists were selected by the nine-person Veteran Screening Committee from the list of 127 eligible candidates. The next step in the Veteran election will be for the Screening Committee to narrow the field to 10 finalists. The 24-person Veteran Voting Committee will determine who will be inducted; the finalist who receives the most votes will be elected, and a second finalist also may be elected if they receive at least 75% of the votes.
2027 Veteran Ballot Semifinalists
- Aldo Balsano*
- David Beckham
- Chico Borja
- Sean Bowers
- Ken Cooper Sr.^
- Lorrie Fair
- Francis Farberoff
- Kevin Hartman
- Lori Henry
- Keith Johnson*
- Clint Mathis
- Shep Messing
- Heather Mitts
- Victor Nogueira
- Steve Ralston
- Tiffany Roberts
- Homare Sawa
- Tatu
- Aly Wagner
* First year on Veteran Ballot
^ Previously sunsetted and restored to the eligibility list by appeal
The 10 Builder semifinalists were selected by the nine-person Builder Screening Committee from the list of 32 eligible candidates. The next step in the Builder election will be for the Screening Committee to narrow the field to four finalists. The 24-person Builder Voting Committee will determine who will be elected.
2027 Builder Ballot Semifinalists
- Gregg Berhalter
- Clive Charles
- Gene Chyzowych
- Jay Hoffman
- Gordon Jago
- Steve Negoesco
- Lothar Osiander
- Lincoln Phillips
- Pia Sundhage
- Frank Yallop
More Information
Complete information about the election and eligibility procedures is available online at nationalsoccerhof.com. The election process is administered by National Soccer Hall of Fame staff under election and eligibility guidelines established by the Hall of Fame Board of Directors.