Updated October 29, 2026 · 8 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overallGoSports portable goals4.7★ · 2 goals + 6 conesCheck price on Amazon →
Most popular single goalFranklin Blackhawk16,000+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →Soccer goals · 2026
The best pop-up soccer goals for the backyard
Pop-up soccer goals twist open in seconds, fold flat into a bag and turn any backyard, park or beach into a soccer field. They are one of the easiest ways to get kids practising shooting at home.
We compared the best-selling pop-up and portable soccer goals on Amazon on size, frame, setup, stability and what thousands of parents say. Below is one clear pick for each age and use, plus a goal size guide and backyard games to play.
Quick answer: the best pop-up soccer goals
- Best overallGoSports portable goals · 4.7★ · 2 goals + 6 cones
- Most popular single goalFranklin Blackhawk · 16,000+ ratings
- Best fold-up pairNET PLAYZ 4 x 3 ft set of 2 · 8 stakes included
- Best for toddlersAmazon Basics 2.5 ft pair · ages 3 and up
If you want one answer: buy the GoSports portable soccer goals. You get two goals, six agility cones and a carry case, they set up and fold away in seconds, and they come in 2.5, 4 and 6 foot sizes. They have the highest rating here, and parents praise the quality, easy setup, value and how well they fold.
Pick by age and space
GoSports goals (4 ft)
Backyard games and team practice. Two 4 ft goals and cones so kids can play real small-sided games.
Franklin Blackhawk
You only need one target for shooting practice. A light fiberglass goal that folds flat into its bag.
Amazon Basics 2.5 ft
Little kids kicking around the yard. Small, light goals that twist open, made for gentle play.
The best pop-up soccer goals, reviewed
GoSports Portable Pop-Up Soccer Goals
You need this if: you want a complete backyard set for real games with friends or siblings.
- Includes2 goals, 6 cones, carry case
- Sizes2.5, 4 or 6 ft
- StakesPlastic and metal
- Ratings4.7★, 2,400+
Why we recommend it: It has everything for a backyard game in one bag. Parents mention quality, easy setup, value, foldability, fun and portability. The goals pop open with no assembly, and the cones make it easy to mark a small field or set up dribbling drills.
Keep in mind: Pop-up goals are light, so stake them down on grass and do not let kids hang on them.
Franklin Sports Blackhawk Pop-Up Goal
You need this if: you want one well-known goal for shooting practice.
- Size4 x 3 ft, other sizes available
- FrameFiberglass
- IncludesGround stakes, carry bag
- Ratings4.4★, 16,000+
Why we recommend it: It is the most-reviewed backyard soccer goal on Amazon. Parents praise how child-friendly it is, the size, function and backyard use. The fiberglass frame and all-weather net work in the yard, at the park or indoors.
Keep in mind: Assembly and value are the most mixed topics in reviews. Folding it back into the bag takes practice, so watch the folding steps the first time.
NET PLAYZ 4 x 3 ft Fold-Up Goals (Set of 2)
You need this if: you want two sturdier fold-up goals for regular games.
- Size4 x 3 ft each
- FrameFiberglass, L-shaped connectors
- Includes8 steel stakes, carry bag
- Ratings4.4★, 3,900+
Why we recommend it: It gives you a matching pair for 1v1 and 2v2 games. Parents praise the quality, fun, foldability and size. After a one-time assembly, they fold in seconds, and the eight steel stakes hold them in place.
Keep in mind: Assembly is mixed in reviews, so follow the instructions carefully the first time.
Amazon Basics Pop-Up Soccer Goals (2.5 ft)
You need this if: your child is about 3 to 6 and just learning to kick.
- Size2.5 x 1.8 ft each
- FrameFiberglass
- Ages3 and up
- Ratings4.3★, 3,600+
Why we recommend it: Small goals are perfect for little kids, who score more and stay interested. Parents praise the quality, easy setup and foldability. They twist open with no tools and pack into a bag.
Keep in mind: Amazon says they are not made for hard, fast shots. Older kids will outgrow them quickly.
Pop-up soccer goals compared
| Goal | Best for | Size | In the box | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoSports | Backyard games | 2.5, 4 or 6 ft | 2 goals, cones, case | 4.7★ (2,400+) |
| Franklin Blackhawk | One goal | 4 x 3 ft | 1 goal, stakes, bag | 4.4★ (16,000+) |
| NET PLAYZ | Sturdier pair | 4 x 3 ft | 2 goals, 8 stakes | 4.4★ (3,900+) |
| Amazon Basics | Toddlers | 2.5 ft | 2 goals, stakes, bag | 4.3★ (3,600+) |
Ratings were checked on Amazon in October 2026. Prices vary by size and color.
What size pop-up soccer goal should I buy?
| Age (about) | Backyard goal size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 | 2.5 ft | Short shots, easy wins |
| 5 to 9 | 4 ft | The classic backyard size |
| 9 to 13 | 4 to 6 ft | Room for harder shots |
| 13 and up | 6 ft or a framed goal | Closer to game feel |
Youth leagues use bigger goals in games, but small backyard goals are better for practice: they force accurate shots and fit in most yards. If you want a full-size goal, look for a steel-framed goal rather than a pop-up.
Pop-up goals vs full-size soccer goals
Pop-up goals are light, cheap, portable and fold flat, but they move if hit hard and are not designed for teenagers’ full-power shots. Framed goals are much sturdier and closer to game size, but heavier, pricier and harder to move. For kids under about 12 and backyard play, pop-ups are the better choice.
▶ Small Sided Games: 5 VariationsFive small-sided game ideas that work well with two pop-up goals in the backyard. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
Backyard soccer games with pop-up goals
- 1v1 to small goals: two goals about 15 to 20 steps apart. First to five wins.
- World Cup: one goal, everyone for themselves. The last player to score each round is out.
- Target practice: put cones inside the goal corners and aim for them.
- Dribble and shoot: weave through the cones, then shoot.
- Keeper wars: two keepers each defend a goal and take turns shooting from their own goal line.
How to set up and fold pop-up goals
- Take the goal out of its bag and hold it away from your face, because pop-ups spring open.
- Let it open, then pull the corners square.
- Push the stakes through the loops into the grass at an angle.
- To fold, twist the frame into a figure eight, then fold it into a circle and put it back in the bag. Watch the brand’s video the first time.
Pop-up goals for coaches and team practice
Coaches use pop-up goals because a whole set fits in the car trunk and goes up in a minute. Two or three pairs let a team run several small-sided games at once, so every child touches the ball more. The GoSports set is especially handy for coaches, because the included cones mark the field and the carry case keeps everything together. Label the bags with the team name, since pop-up goals look alike at busy fields.
How long do pop-up soccer goals last?
With normal backyard use, a good pop-up goal lasts several seasons. The parts that wear first are the netting, which can tear where balls hit most, and the frame sleeves, which rub at the corners. Store goals in their bag out of the sun, fold them carefully, and do not leave them out in snow or storms. If the net tears, some brands sell replacement nets, which is cheaper than buying a new goal.
Indoor soccer ideas for winter
Small pop-up goals also work indoors in a basement, garage or gym. Use a soft foam ball or a size 3 futsal ball, move anything breakable, and play quiet games like target shooting or keeper practice. It keeps kids touching the ball through the off-season.
What else do you need for a backyard soccer field?
- A ball in the right size: size 3 for under 8, size 4 for 8 to 12, size 5 for 12 and up.
- Cones: to mark sidelines and set up dribbling drills.
- Shin guards: even for backyard games with older kids.
- A rebounder: for passing practice when nobody else is around.
Safety tips
- Always stake goals down on grass, especially in wind.
- Never let kids climb on or hang from goals.
- Use the right size for the child, so they are not shooting too hard into small, light goals.
- Store goals inside when not in use, so sun and rain do not weaken the netting.
Add a soccer rebounder for passing practice and pick the right ball from the best soccer balls. Buying a gift? See gifts for soccer players.
Not sure what size goal your child needs? Use our soccer goal size by age tool.
Related: Franklin soccer goals: Blackhawk vs steel
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What are the best pop-up soccer goals?
For most families, the GoSports portable goals. You get two goals, six cones and a carry case, and they have 4.7 stars.
What size pop-up soccer goal should I get?
About 2.5 ft for ages 3 to 5, 4 ft for ages 5 to 9 and 4 to 6 ft for older kids.
Are pop-up soccer goals full size?
No. Most are 2.5 to 6 ft for backyard play. For full-size goals, choose a steel-framed goal.
How do you fold a pop-up soccer goal?
Twist the frame into a figure eight, fold it into a circle and slide it into the bag. Watch the brand’s video first.
Can pop-up soccer goals be used indoors?
Yes, on a gym floor or in a large room, with a soft ball.
How do you stop pop-up goals blowing away?
Use the ground stakes on grass, or sandbags on hard surfaces.
Are pop-up goals good for training?
Yes. Small goals force accurate shots, and two goals let kids play small-sided games.
What age are pop-up soccer goals for?
From about age 3 with small 2.5 ft goals, up to teens with 6 ft goals.
How we chose
We compared the best-selling and best-reviewed pop-up and portable soccer goals on Amazon in October 2026. We looked at size, frame, setup, what is included and price, and read Amazon’s review topics and verified buyer reviews to see what parents praise and complain about. We picked one goal for each age and use. We have not tested these goals in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. Read our full method.
We research sports gear for players, coaches and sports parents. We compare specs, read verified buyer reviews and name one clear pick for each kind of player. How we pick · Affiliate disclosure
