SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (July 23, 2026) — History has been made.
Sigma X FC of Visalia has been crowned the 2026 US Youth Soccer U13 Boys National Champion, becoming the first Cal North boys team to win a US Youth Soccer National Championship since 1993. The title marks a historic milestone for the club, the City of Visalia, and the entire Northern California soccer community.
After arriving in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 16, Sigma X FC embarked on an unforgettable journey through the nation's premier youth soccer tournament, facing the top teams from across the United States. Match after match, the team demonstrated composure, determination, and exceptional quality, remaining undefeated throughout the competition.
Below are the final results from their journey to a National Championship.
Group Stage: vs Mandeville Soccer Club (Louisiana) 5-1
Group Stage: vs Dakota Alliance Soccer Club (South Dakota) 3-1
Group Stage: vs Flathead Valley United SC (Montana) 6-0
Quarterfinals: vs Idaho Rush Soccer Club (Idaho) 3-0
Semifinals: vs Alianza SC (Georgia) 4-2
National Final: vs Lowcountry United Soccer Academy (South Carolina) 7-0
Their remarkable run culminated in the National Championship Final, where Sigma X FC defeated Lowcountry United Soccer Academy of South Carolina to claim the most prestigious title in American youth soccer.
"I’d say it came down to the mindset. I believe it’s the coach's job—I see these kids looking at other teams and sometimes feeling intimidated, right? But when I coach them, I tell them before games: "Hey, you’re the best ones here; go out and show it." They stepped onto the field with that confidence—and a touch of arrogance—to get the job done, while still remaining humble. That South Carolina team in the final had been beating everyone else, but we shut them out," said Sigma X FC Head Coach, Jose "Chiva" Cuevas. "It wasn't just about winning 1–0 or 2–0; we wanted to showcase the quality of Cal North, win a national championship by a wide margin, and prove to everyone that there is immense talent right here—in Visalia, Fresno, Tulare, and the entire region."
For more than a week, Sigma X FC competed against the nation's elite, proving they belonged among the very best. Their undefeated championship run showcased disciplined defending, dynamic attacking soccer, and unwavering resilience under pressure.
The significance of this accomplishment extends well beyond the field.
The championship ends a 33-year wait for a Cal North boys team to stand atop the national podium, with the last boys national champion coming in 1993. Sigma X FC now joins an exclusive group of Cal North clubs whose names are forever etched into US Youth Soccer history.
"This championship represents so much more than winning a trophy," said Cal North Executive Director, Marley Wilson. "Sigma X FC has represented Visalia, Cal North, and Northern California with incredible pride, sportsmanship, and excellence throughout this tournament. Their achievement is a testament to the dedication of their players, coaches, families, and the entire club. We couldn't be prouder."
For the players, many of whom have grown together within the club, the victory is the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment. For their families and coaches, it is the reward for countless hours spent supporting the team's development. And for the Visalia community, it is a moment of immense pride that highlights the strength and continued growth of youth soccer throughout the Central Valley.
Throughout the tournament, Sigma X FC carried not only the hopes of their hometown but also those of the entire Cal North membership. Clubs, leagues, players, coaches, referees, and supporters from across Northern California rallied behind the team as they advanced through each stage of the competition.
Their success serves as an inspiration for the next generation of young athletes, demonstrating that with dedication, teamwork, and belief, local dreams can become national achievements.
As the team returns home to Visalia as national champions, they leave behind more than a remarkable tournament performance—they leave a legacy.
One championship. One historic run. One unforgettable moment for Cal North.
Watch the post-game interview in spanish from Coach Jose "Chiva" Cuevas below.
Congratulations to the players, coaches, families, and the entire Sigma X FC organization on becoming the 2026 US Youth Soccer U13 Boys National Champions.
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About Cal North Youth Soccer Association
Cal North is the original youth soccer organization in Northern California, who has served generations of players, coaches, leagues, and clubs with storied histories since 1969. Cal North is a member of a much larger soccer community, and as a member, you are also a member of this world community. Players register to play with one of the more than 200 clubs or leagues formed by Cal North. Through affiliation, our leagues and clubs are also members of US Youth Soccer, US Soccer, and US Futsal. US Soccer, along with over 197 other national soccer organizations, are members of FIFA, the Federation Internationale de Football Association. FIFA serves as the international governing body for soccer and US Soccer has been a member since 1913. Together, local, national and international organizations form a family of support for the young soccer players of Cal North.
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