HICKORY, N.C. & TAMPA, Fla. - The United Soccer League announced today that Hickory FC will join USL League Two for the 2026 season.

Identifying the need for a local pre-professional soccer team, a diverse ownership group with strong ties to the region banded together to establish Hickory FC in 2023. The club began play in 2024 and hit the ground running, winning the Southeast Conference playoffs before falling in the regional semifinal. In 2025, Hickory FC kept climbing, finishing first in Southeast Conference, repeating as conference champions, and marching all the way to the NPSL National Championship, where they knocked off defending champions, El Farolito. Hickory surpassed its club attendance record, drawing 6,247 fans for its National Semifinal clash after averaging around 4,000 spectators per game during its stint in the NPSL.

“Following our 2025 NPSL National Championship, Hickory FC is proud to take the next step in our club’s growth by joining USL League Two for the 2026 season,” said Jonanthan Rink, Hickory FC VP of Operations. “This decision reflects our long-term commitment to elevating the level of football in our region while staying true to the values that define us – family, community, and excellence on the pitch. We are grateful for the unwavering support of our fans, partners, and the City of Hickory, and we look forward to representing our community on a larger stage as we continue building a club that will make this region proud.”

Hickory’s growth has not just come from its winning performances on the pitch, but also from year-round participation in community events. The club has shown up to everything from high school games to auto shows and Oktoberfest. Before the start of each season, Hickory has made it a tradition to bring its team to local elementary schools, introducing some of its youngest fans to the players they will be rooting for that summer. The club donates merchandise and tickets to various organizations, businesses, non-profits, and schools to show its support for the community.

“In just a few short years, Hickory FC has become a model for pre-professional clubs across the country,” said Joel Nash, USL SVP of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties. “Having Hickory join League Two will help continue growing its dedicated fan base, brew passionate rivalries with local clubs, and push the team to keep performing on the national stage.”

In its first two seasons, Hickory has put together talented rosters, with local and international talent. Antonio Pineda helped the club earn silverware in 2025 after a successful college career with High Point University and West Virginia University and spending the 2024 season with the Richmond Kickers in USL League One. The forward finished the 2025 season with Carolina Core FC in MLS NEXT Pro.

Hickory FC will play in League Two’s Eastern Conference.

To learn more about Hickory FC, visit the club’s website, Instagram, X, and Facebook.