The Alabama State Cup is the premier championship competition sanctioned and conducted annually by the Alabama Soccer Association (ASA) for boys’ and girls’ teams ages U13 through U19. Teams from across the state come together to compete for one goal — becoming an Alabama State Champion.
New for 2026, State Cup is expanding to provide more opportunities for teams across multiple affiliations and levels of competition. Teams affiliated with recognized U.S. Soccer organizations now have a pathway to participate, bringing more of Alabama’s soccer community together to compete on one stage.
As a proud member of US Youth Soccer, ASA also provides eligible teams with opportunities to advance beyond the state level through the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series (NCS) and Presidents Cup. Qualification for these advancement opportunities is based on State Cup division and placement, with additional details outlined below.
The Alabama State Cup celebrates competition, sportsmanship, and achievement while creating new opportunities, new competition, and new paths to the podium.
2026 STATE CUP AT A GLANCE
| REGISTRATION | ROSTER FREEZE | FIRST ROUND | FINAL FOUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEPT 18 – OCT 10 | NOV 5 | NOV 14–15 | NOV 20–22 |
| Late registration through Oct. 15 | Higher Seed Hosts | Foley, Alabama |
Early Registration OPEN NOW!
NEW FOR 2026 / COMPETITION DIVISIONS
For the first time, the Alabama State Cup is expanding to welcome eligible teams from across U.S. Soccer-affiliated organizations, creating more opportunities for teams throughout Alabama to compete for a State Cup championship.
Teams will compete through either the Open State Cup or Alabama State League (ASL) State Cup pathway based on their league participation and selected competition.
OPEN STATE CUP
Open to U13–U19 teams from any U.S. Soccer affiliate.
Teams do not have to participate in the Alabama State League (ASL) to enter the Open State Cup.
Eligible teams from US Youth Soccer, US Club Soccer, USSSA, Girls Academy, MLS NEXT, DPL, AYSO, and other recognized U.S. Soccer affiliates may apply to compete.
The Open State Cup will offer two levels of competition, providing teams with the opportunity to compete in a division appropriate for their level of play.
ASL teams may also elect to participate in the Open State Cup instead of their designated ASL Division.
Division placement will be determined following the close of registration. If there are not enough teams to support two separate Open Cup divisions within an age group, the divisions may be combined to create a viable competition.
Teams will compete for the title of Alabama Open State Cup Champion within their respective division.
ALABAMA STATE LEAGUE (ASL) STATE CUP
For teams participating in the Alabama State League.
Teams currently participating in ASL will automatically be placed into their appropriate ASL State Cup Division unless they elect to participate in the Open Division.
ASL teams will compete for an Alabama State Cup Championship within their designated level of competition.
ASL PREMIER DIVISION
PATHWAY TO REGIONAL & NATIONAL COMPETITION
The ASL Premier Division will serve as the primary pathway for Alabama teams seeking advancement to US Youth Soccer regional and national competition.
The ASL Premier Division winner and finalist will receive first consideration for available opportunities to participate in the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series (NCS) and Presidents Cup during the summer of 2027.
If an eligible ASL Premier Division winner or finalist chooses not to accept an available national competition berth, the opportunity will then pass to the eligible Open State Cup winner and/or finalist.
Additional qualification, eligibility, and advancement information will be announced at a later date.
Not sure which division your team belongs in?
Teams participating in ASL will automatically be placed in their appropriate ASL Division. All other eligible teams will compete in the Open Division. ASL teams wishing to compete in the Open Division may elect to do so during registration.
A NEW ROAD TO STATE CHAMPION
New opportunities. New competition. New paths to the podium.
For the first time, teams from all recognized U.S. Soccer affiliations are invited to compete.
From State Cup to the national stage — Alabama was represented in the 2026 US Youth Soccer National Championships semifinals in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
State Cup is open to boys’ and girls’ teams in the 13U–19U age groups at all levels of competition.
Teams may participate regardless of affiliation, provided they are registered with a U.S. Soccer-affiliated organization, including US Youth Soccer (USYS), US Club Soccer, USSSA, Girls Academy (GA), MLS NEXT, DPL, AYSO, and other recognized U.S. Soccer affiliates.
The complete 2026 State Cup Rules & Policies are coming soon.
All participating teams are responsible for reviewing the competition rules prior to the start of State Cup.
Regular Registration: September 18, 2026 – October 10, 2026
Registration Fee: $495
Late Registration: October 10, 2026 – October 15, 2026
Late Registration Fee: $650
Teams that advance to the Final Four will be charged on November 15th an additional $295 Final Four fee.
Please note: No refunds will be issued once a team has been accepted into the competition.
The official 2026 State Cup seeding format and procedures are coming soon.
The State Cup roster freeze is November 5, 2026.
First Round – November 14–15, 2026
First-round matches will be hosted by the higher-seeded team.
Final Four – November 20–22, 2026
Final Four matches will be played at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex in Foley, Alabama.
Visit the Foley Sports Tourism event page for recommended hotels, area maps, attractions, dining options, and additional travel resources to help you plan your trip to the State Cup Finals.
Brackets and seeding will be determined after registration closes and all accepted teams have been reviewed. The official brackets and first-round matchups will be communicated to participating teams once finalized.
First-round matches will be played at the higher-seeded team’s home location unless otherwise determined by Alabama Soccer.
Teams should be prepared to host or travel for their first-round match based on their placement within the bracket.
Teams may review available accommodations through the Foley Sports Tourism event page in advance. Teams should review the applicable hotel reservation and cancellation policies when making travel arrangements.
