The U.S. men’s national team’s annual January training camp in 2026 has been canceled, confirmed by U.S. Soccer vice president Oguchi Onyewu. Known as "Camp Cupcake" by U.S. fans, this traditional event, primarily for MLS-based USMNT members, has been a fixture on the domestic soccer calendar for over 25 years.

This camp has been instrumental in player development, with many USMNT greats like Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan earning their first international caps here. Emerging talents like Max Arfsten, Diego Luna, and Jack McGlynn from the recent camp are now strong contenders for the 2026 World Cup roster under coach Mauricio Pochettino.

However, starting in 2026, the January camp will be moved to December, as announced by Onyewu. This decision was made after considering the modern game’s congested schedules and the need for player recovery. The shift aims to provide a balanced window that aligns with pre-season preparation and enhances player welfare.

The January camp, initiated in 1997 after MLS’s inaugural season, served to keep players fit during the offseason. But with the evolution of the domestic league, the necessity for this camp has decreased. MLS clubs are now reluctant to release key players outside FIFA’s designated dates, leading to the camp’s move to December for better integration of domestic talent.

Onyewu emphasized the importance of collaboration, player welfare, and the progress of soccer in the U.S. through this decision. The shift to December reflects the commitment to expanding opportunities for national team players and maintaining strong relationships with domestic leagues and clubs.

For more soccer stories and updates, follow Doug McIntyre, a FOX Sports soccer reporter who has covered the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams at FIFA World Cups across continents. Stay tuned for great stories by subscribing to the FOX Sports newsletter for personalized daily updates on your favorite leagues, teams, and players.