Rising Stars Across the Host Cities
As the 2026 World Cup draws nearer, high school boys soccer teams in the United States are turning heads with record‑breaking seasons that echo the excitement of the global tournament.
In Atlanta, Johns Creek High School capped a 23‑1‑0 campaign with the GHSA Class 5A State Championship, a performance that has put the city on the soccer map ahead of its World Cup matches.
Further east, Becton Regional High School in East Rutherford posted a 16‑3 record to claim the NJIC National Division title, showcasing the depth of talent in New Jersey’s soccer corridors.
The action stretches coast to coast, from the undefeated 31‑0 run of Walnut Grove High School in Dallas, which captured the UIL Class 5A Division I crown, to the 19‑3‑3 record of Conroe Woodlands College Park in Houston, winners of the UIL Class 6A Division 2 championship.
California’s powerhouse Mater Dei High School in Los Angeles dominated its schedule, finishing 21‑1‑3 and winning the CIF Southern Section Open Division Championship, while Miami’s Downtown Doral Charter Upper School posted a 19‑1‑3 slate and secured the FHSAA Class 3A state title.
Other standout programs include Van Horn High School in Kansas City, which celebrated its first state championship with a 25‑1 record, and La Salle College High School in Philadelphia, which completed a three‑peat in the Philadelphia Catholic League and captured the PIAA District 12 Class 4A crown.
The momentum continues in the western states, where Mountain View High School in Santa Clara claimed the CIF Central Coast Section Division I title with a 19‑4‑2 record, and Seattle’s Shorewood High School, boasting a 20‑0‑1 record, prepares for the WIAA 3A semifinals.
These achievements not only highlight the rising competitiveness of high school soccer but also underscore the diverse talent pools that will soon be showcased on the world stage as the 2026 World Cup approaches its host cities across North America.