Teddy Wagnac - CEO & Founder | Wadi Gaitan - Co-Founder and communication strategist at SoccerPath

In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Teddy Wagnac, CEO & Founder of SoccerPath, and Wadi Gaitan, Co-Founder and Communication Strategist, for a forward-looking conversation at the intersection of technology, youth development, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

As North America prepares to host the world’s biggest sporting event, Teddy and Wadi break down what the World Cup moment truly means for youth soccer in the United States. The discussion explores how rising excitement will reshape parent decision-making, accelerate youth participation, and expose long-standing structural challenges within the U.S. soccer ecosystem.

Drawing from their work building SoccerPath, the conversation dives into how automation, analytics, and streamlined communication can transform academy operations-helping clubs handle increased demand, reduce friction for families, and refocus coaches on player development. The episode also tackles the realities of the pay-to-play model, infrastructure gaps, and why the post-World Cup window represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for sustainable growth in American soccer.

This episode is essential listening for club owners, academy directors, investors, and operators preparing for the surge of interest that 2026 will bring.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

- The 2026 World Cup is expected to drive a major surge in youth soccer participation.

- Parents will become more discerning when evaluating academies post-World Cup.

- The U.S. soccer system must improve infrastructure and long-term development pathways.

- Seamless parent and player experiences are now a competitive advantage for academies.

- Technology can dramatically improve communication, enrollment, and operations.

- SoccerPath helps families identify the right academies while supporting clubs operationally.

- Analytics and automation are becoming essential tools in youth development.

- The World Cup presents a rare inflection point for U.S. soccer’s growth trajectory.

Website: SoccerPath.us

Teddy Wagnac LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teddywagnac/

Wadi Gaitan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wadigaitan/

🔔 Subscribe & Stay Connected

👉 Interested in appearing on the podcast or partnering?

Reach out directly via LinkedIn or email info@onesoccernation.com

-------------------------------------------------

© 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.

One Soccer Nation:Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/