Cal North State Cup is the designated state-level qualifier for the US Youth Soccer National Championships. For the first time starting the 2025-2026 year, State Cup Champions will advance directly Nationals. State Cup is open to teams registered through a Cal North affiliated member organization that competes in an approved playing league at the high-level Silver, Gold, Premier or Elite level. Teams are considered for placement in brackets based on their eligibility and application date until brackets are filled. State Cup offers brackets for boys and girls in the U8-U19 age groups.
U13-U19 State Cup Champions will advance to Nationals, which will take place in early summer. U12 Champions will advance to the U12 National Championships event in June 2026. State Cup is open to teams registered through a Cal North affiliated member organization that competes in a District Cup or an approved Cal North competition.
Teams are considered for placement in brackets based on their eligibility and application date until brackets are filled. State Cup offers brackets for boys and girls in the U8-U19 age groups. (*U8-U11 do not advance into a regional/national competition)
Take a look back at some of the most historic teams that have gone on to win the Cal North State Cup in recent years.
Click arrow to see 2024-2025 Cal North State Cup Schedule for U9-U12 age groups
Cal North State Cup Champions automatically qualify for Far West Regional Championships. Regional winners advance to the National Championship Series.
State Cup competition is created for the top-level competitive teams and we recommend only top-tier competitive teams apply for this event. Premier, Gold, or Elite level recommended.
All competitive teams in Northern California, which compete at Premier, Gold, or Elite level. Cal North will accept non Cal North player passes at this event. If needed, Cal North can guide you through the registration process.
This tournament is designed for teams that played in a Cal North or other US Soccer approved playing league. Approved playing leagues are leagues affiliated through US Soccer, including but not limited to CCSL, NorCal Premier League, AYSO, SAY Soccer, as well as Cal North District Playing Leagues. Teams are considered for placement in brackets based on their eligibility and by application date until brackets are filled. Teams may apply to participate in this tournament by submitting an application online.
U8-U19
Boys and Girls
U8-U12: Dec 6 & 7, 2025
U13-U19: April 18 & 19, 2026
Dates and venues are subject to change for circumstances beyond the control of cup organizers.
U8-U12 State Cup Location:
TBA
U13-U19 State Cup Location:
Granite Regional Park
8200 Ramona Ave
Sacramento, CA 95826
Dates and venues are subject to change for circumstances beyond the control of cup organizers.
U8-U12 Registration Deadline: Friday, November 21, 2025
U13-U19 Registration Deadline: Friday, April 3, 2026
U8-U12: $850
U13-U19: $950
How can I be eligible for State Cup?
To be eligible for participation in the State Cup, your team can apply directly or win a District Cup that guarantees entry to Cal North State Cup.
I'm not a current member; can I still participate in the State Cup?
Yes, this tournament is designed for teams that played in a Cal North or other US Soccer approved playing league. Approved playing leagues are leagues affiliated through US Soccer, including but not limited to CCSL, NorCal Premier League, AYSO, SAY Soccer, as well as Cal North District Playing Leagues. All US Soccer approved passes will be accepted for competition.
Can we have guest players?
Players participating in Cal North State Cup must be on the eligible team’s approved frozen roster for the current seasonal year at the time of the roster freeze deadline for Cal North State Cup as either a player originally placed on the roster, a player added to the roster or a player transferred onto the roster. Guest players are not permitted to participate in the Cal North State Cup.
If my District doesn’t have a District Cup, can I choose another district to go to?
In cases where your district does not host a District Cup, we strongly advise you to consider registering for a neighboring District Cup. In the event that no such option is available, registering with your own district remains a viable path. Should your specific group lack an event or bracket, automatic qualification for the State Cup will be granted.
What if there are not enough teams in an age group bracket in the District Cup to be able to play?
Should your specific group lack an event or bracket, automatic qualification for the State Cup will be granted. However; registration will not be paid for in that case.
Will age groups be mixed to form brackets if not enough teams and age groups apply?
No, each age group will hold their own bracket.
What is the difference between the State Cup and the other Cups?
Cal North State Cup is the designated state-level qualifier for the US Youth Soccer National Championships. Starting 2025-2026, State Cup Champions will qualify directly to Nationals.
Can I play in the State Cup if I did not play in a league and only did Tournaments?
Yes, this tournament will allow teams as long as they have approved US Soccer. Players will need US Soccer approved passes and coaches will be required to fulfill their risk management with Cal North in order to play State Cup.
Details for the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Championships will be shared soon.
