Opening Day Preview
The 2026 Iowa girls state soccer tournament kicks off today in Ames, Iowa, drawing teams from across the state to contest quarterfinal berths in Classes 1A and 2A. The opening slate promises intense competition as regional champions vie for a spot in the semifinals.
St. Albert enters the bracket as a dominant force, riding a 10‑0 run through the regional finals and poised to meet Des Moines Christian in a Class 1A showdown. The two programs split their recent meetings, with St. Albert prevailing in 2024 before Christian turned the tables in 2025, adding a layer of intrigue to the rematch.
Meanwhile, Treynor arrives unbeaten in its last five matches without conceding a goal, a streak that will be tested against Hudson in another 1A quarterfinal. The team’s defensive solidity has become a talking point among coaches and analysts alike.
Lewis Central will test its mettle against top‑seeded Norwalk in a Class 2A clash, while Bishop Heelan Catholic prepares for a rematch with Dallas Center‑Grimes, a side that has edged the Crusaders in each of their last two encounters.
The slate also includes Iowa Falls‑Alden versus Denver, Aplington‑Parkersburg against Assumption, Gilbert taking on North Scott, and North Polk facing Waverly‑Shell Rock, rounding out a full day of action.