2026 California Cup Preview

It’s that time of the year again as 16 teams from NorCal Premier Soccer head down south this weekend to participate in the latest edition of the California Cup.

Designed as a way to create a true State Cup for the entirety of California, the California Cup sees the finalists from the U9-U12 divisions of NorCal Premier Soccer and SOCAL Soccer League meet up for three matches over the course of two days.

“We have our separate State Cup competitions, but the idea of a State Cup that represents all of California is still relevant,” said NorCal State Cup Coordinator Brian Voltattorni. “This is a one of a kind event that brings together all these different leagues. The collaboration and partnership with SOCAL Soccer League is paramount.”

As it is an even year, SOCAL is hosting in 2026–NorCal hosts in the odd years.

The event is scheduled to kick off Saturday at Surf Sports Park in Del Mar, with each NorCal side playing each SOCAL team in their second and third group stage matches of the event–the State Cup finals between teams from the same organization are treated as the first group stage game.

On Sunday each team will play in either a final or third place game, depending on how they finished in their groups.

Since the establishment of a partnership between NorCal Premier Soccer and SOCAL Soccer League, the California Cup has been played every year, starting in 2021.

For more information about the California Cup, click here.