The 2026 South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) boys soccer state championships are now underway, with teams across Class 5A, 4A, 3A, 2A, and A divisions competing for the ultimate title. This detailed overview presents the full playoff brackets and schedule, from the initial qualification rounds through to the state championship games, offering a complete guide for enthusiasts.
In the highly competitive Class 5A Division 1, the Upper State bracket saw initial matches on May 5, featuring teams like Wade Hampton and Spring Valley, and Dorman hosting Spartanburg. Following these opening games, the winners will advance to face top seeds such as Blythewood and Clover on May 9. The journey through the Upper State semifinals on May 13 and the championship game on May 16 will determine which team progresses to the state championship on May 23. Concurrently, the Lower State bracket mirrors this intensity, with teams like Cane Bay and Fort Dorchester kicking off their campaigns on May 6. Top contenders such as Wando and James Island await their challengers for the May 9 quarter-finals. The Lower State semifinals are set for May 13, leading to their championship match on May 16, also culminating in a state championship appearance on May 23.
Class 5A Division 2 showcases another fierce competition. The Upper State matches began on May 6, with contests including Hillcrest versus T.L. Hanna and Northwestern taking on Indian Land. The victors from these games will then face higher-seeded teams like Catawba Ridge and Fort Mill on May 9. The semifinals are scheduled for May 13, and the Upper State championship for May 16, with the state championship game on May 23. Similarly, the Lower State division started on May 6 with teams like Socastee and Conway in action. The top seeds, including Myrtle Beach and West Florence, will enter the fray on May 9. The Lower State semifinals are slated for May 13, followed by the championship on May 16, all leading up to the final state championship on May 23.
Moving to Class 4A, the Upper State section commenced its playoff journey on May 6 with a wide array of matches, such as Camden against Southside, and Seneca versus Berea. Powerhouses like Southside and Greer are poised to defend their top rankings. Quarterfinals will be held on May 9, semifinals on May 13, and the Upper State championship on May 16, concluding with the state championship on May 22. In the Lower State, the action also started on May 6, featuring clashes like Aiken against May River and Brookland-Cayce facing Hilton Head. The highly-anticipated matches for May River and Bishop England will set the stage for subsequent rounds. The Lower State quarterfinals are on May 9, semifinals on May 13, and the championship on May 16, also advancing to the state championship on May 22.
Class 3A playoffs started a bit earlier, on May 4. The Upper State featured matches such as Palmetto versus Powdersville and Belton-Honea Path against Greer Middle College. Top seeds Powdersville and Woodruff will look to dominate. Quarterfinals are on May 7, semifinals on May 11, and the Upper State championship on May 15, culminating in the state championship on May 22. The Lower State also began on May 4, with Oceanside taking on Marlboro County and Aynor battling Fox Creek. Teams like Oceanside and Swansea are strong contenders. Quarterfinals on May 7, semifinals on May 11, and the championship on May 15 will determine who heads to the state championship on May 22.
In Class 2A, the Upper State tournament began on May 4, with match-ups including Clinton versus Andrew Jackson and Brashier Middle College against Pelion. Andrew Jackson and Greenville Tech Charter are among the favorites. The quarterfinals are scheduled for May 7, semifinals for May 11, and the Upper State championship for May 15, leading to the state championship on May 21. For the Lower State, games started on May 4, featuring Mullins against Academic Magnet and East Clarendon versus Hampton County. Academic Magnet and Philip Simmons are key teams to watch. Quarterfinals are on May 7, semifinals on May 11, and the championship on May 15, with the state championship on May 21.
Finally, Class A playoffs also commenced on May 4. The Upper State saw Green Upstate and Dixie receiving byes, with Ware Shoals facing Calhoun County. Matches for the quarterfinals are on May 7, semifinals on May 11, and the Upper State championship on May 15, concluding with the state championship on May 21. In the Lower State, Charleston Math and Science and Hardeeville were granted byes, while Ridgeland played Baptist Hill. Quarterfinals are on May 7, semifinals on May 11, and the championship on May 15, with the state championship on May 21. This comprehensive playoff structure promises an exhilarating series of matches as teams vie for the coveted state titles.
The South Carolina High School League boys soccer playoffs for 2026 feature a detailed schedule of matches across multiple classifications. From the fiercely contested Class 5A divisions to the competitive Class A, each bracket is meticulously planned, leading teams through rigorous knockout stages. This season's tournament is poised to deliver thrilling soccer action as schools battle through regional and state championship rounds to claim statewide honors.
