The 2026 Class 1A state soccer tournament will unfold at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, gathering four of the state’s most dominant high school programs under one roof.
Semifinals Set for Thursday
Semifinal action is scheduled for Thursday, with Timothy Christian facing off against Father McGivney, while Pleasant Plains takes on Johnsburg in the other half of the bracket.
Timothy Christian arrives with a 14‑5‑1 record and a No. 12 ranking, having navigated a challenging regional path that included wins over Elmhurst IC Catholic, Lycée Français de Chicago, F.W. Parker and Lisle.
Father McGivney, the top seed at 22‑2‑3 and the class’s No. 1 team, earned its spot by defeating Salem, Mater Dei, Freeburg, Columbia and Litchfield in the earlier rounds.
Johnsburg, unbeaten at 18‑0 and positioned second in the rankings, advanced by overcoming Poplar Grove, Marengo, Cristo Rey St. Martin, Willows Academy and Rockford Christian.
Pleasant Plains, the third‑seeded squad at 25‑0‑2, powered through Riverton, Athens, Mt. Zion, Williamsville and Rock Island Alleman to secure its place in the state final.
The third‑place match will kick off at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, followed by the championship final at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, promising a climax that could reshape the class’s hierarchy.
Fans and alumni alike are expected to fill the stands, as the tournament not only crowns a champion but also celebrates the growing popularity of high school soccer in Illinois.