The Fall 2026 Tennessee State League season is officially underway, and clubs across the state are back on the pitch with the goal of earning a spot in the Tennessee State Cup this November.
The fall season brings together league play for 12U-14U boys and girls teams alongside boys teams in the 15U-19U age groups, with the Tennessee State Cup once again serving as the season’s ultimate destination for the older divisions. After a strong 2025-26 campaign that produced a talented new class of state champions, this fall slate gives a fresh set of clubs the opportunity to write their own chapter.
Four Divisions, Proven Structure
Now in its second full year, the new four-division format has quickly become the foundation of Tennessee State League competition. With each division offering its own championship pathway and competitive identity, every team in the field, from the state’s most ambitious programs to newly-founded teams, has something meaningful to play for.
- National Championship Series (NCS): The top tier of TSSA competition. NCS State Cup champions earn a direct berth into the US Youth Soccer National Championships, the country’s most prestigious youth soccer event.
- President’s Cup (PCUP): President’s Cup champions advance through the USYS Presidents Cup series, competing for a national title of their own.
- Governor’s Cup (GC): Created to balance levels of play and open up more competitive opportunities, the Governor’s Cup crowns its own state champions at the State Cup.
- Mayor’s Cup (MC): Designed for newer and developing teams, with promotional opportunities possible for future seasons.
The Road Ahead: Tennessee State Cup
The fall season for the 15U-19U boys teams will culminate with the Tennessee State Cup, TSSA’s flagship competition and one of the most anticipated events on the Tennessee soccer calendar. Teams that separate themselves during league play will earn their spot in the bracket, with State Cup action scheduled across two weekends in November at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex in Murfreesboro.
The opening weekend, November 14-15, features quarterfinal and semifinal action for 15U-19U Boys teams across all four divisions. Championship weekend follows November 21-22, with the finals for 15U-19U Boys being played across all four divisions.
What’s at Stake Beyond Tennessee
For the clubs that emerge as National Championship Series and President’s Cup champions, the journey does not end in November. NCS champions will advance to the US Youth Soccer National Championships, while President’s Cup champions will compete in the USYS Presidents Cup series, both offering Tennessee’s best teams the opportunity to test themselves against the top clubs in the country.
To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!