USYS Teams Set for 2025-2026 Winter Events
The best youth soccer teams in America are heading to Arizona this winter to compete for spots in one of the biggest tournaments of the year. Over 300 teams from 37 states will battle it out in two special winter events that could send them to the 2026 National Championships.
TL;DR:
November 2025 Event:
January 2026 Event:
What Are These Winter Events?
The US Youth Soccer National League Winter Events are like the playoffs for the league. Only the best teams get invited, and they have to earn their spot by winning games all season long.
Marc Frankland, who runs the National League, says these events will be packed with “proven teams that have earned the opportunity to compete.” I think this makes the competition even more exciting because every team there deserves to be there.
When and Where Teams Will Play
Both winter events happen at the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, Arizona. Teams can pick between two dates:
- November 2025 Event
- January 2026 Event
The events are open to boys and girls teams in these age groups: U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19.
Which States Are Sending the Most Teams?
California leads the pack with 35 teams heading to Arizona. Here’s how the top states stack up:
- California: 35 teams
- New Jersey: 28 teams
- Illinois: 24 teams
- Indiana: 23 teams
- Ohio: 21 teams
Six more states are sending at least 10 teams each. It’s amazing to see so many different parts of the country represented!
How Teams Got Selected
Teams didn’t just sign up and get in. They had to prove themselves by playing great soccer all season. The organizers looked at each team’s “history of performance” to decide who gets invited.
In my opinion, this selection process is fair because it rewards teams that work hard all year, not just those who get lucky in one tournament.
Each age group can have up to 40 teams total, split between the two winter events.
How the Tournament Works
The tournament format is pretty simple:
- Teams get put into groups of four
- Each team plays the other three teams in their group
- Games happen over three days
- Teams get 3 points for winning, 1 point for tying, and 0 points for losing
What Happens to the Winners?
This is where it gets really exciting! The top two teams from each group move on to bigger tournaments:
Best Teams: Go straight to the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Championships
Other Top Finishers: Get to play in the brand-new National League Cup Playoffs
The exact number of teams that advance depends on how many teams are competing in each age group.
Why These Events Matter
These winter events are a big deal because they’re the gateway to some of the most important youth soccer tournaments. The National Championships have been around for years, but 2026 will be the first year for The National League Cup.
Having 53 teams that already competed at last year’s National Championships shows just how competitive these winter events will be.
Important Note: Teams can still change, and some teams on waiting lists might get added if more spots open up for either the November or January event.
The stage is set for an incredible winter of youth soccer in Arizona!
Written By: Beau Bridges
Beau is the founder of SoccerNovo, dedicated to helping players and parents navigate the youth soccer landscape. As a former youth coach and soccer parent, he shares insights on player development, recruiting, and the ever-evolving soccer scene in the U.S.
Let’s connect
