WAGS tournament field hits record 752 teams as girls’ soccer booms

The 2026 WAGS Rael Vodicka Memorial Tournament will draw a record 752 teams to Northern Virginia on Oct. 10-12, up nearly 15% from last year. The milestone underscores how women’s soccer momentum is spreading from pro stadiums to youth fields, with new opportunities for players, referees and coaches.

Why it matters: - The 2026 WAGS Rael Vodicka Memorial Tournament will be the largest all-girls soccer tournament in the country. - The record field shows girls’ soccer growth at the youth level, not just in professional and national-team settings. - The tournament will bring thousands of players and families to Northern Virginia.

What happened: - WAGS said 752 teams are set to compete in the 2026 tournament, up from 654 teams in 2025. - The tournament runs Oct. 10-12 across Northern Virginia. - Games will be played on 96 fields at 23 parks in Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg. - The tournament dates come more than 50 years after the first WAGS Tournament in 1975. - On the same Saturday, the U.S. Women’s National Team will play Spain at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

The details: - WAGS chairwoman Lula Bauer said the jump from 654 teams to 752 teams reflects growth across every level of the game. - Bauer said the larger field means thousands of girls will compete, connect and see new possibilities in soccer. - All U15-U19 games will be filmed and made available to college coaches at no cost. - WAGS said the video access is designed to help prospective student-athletes connect with college programs while coaches are in season. - The tournament will include the WAGS Referee Mentor Program. - Referees will receive feedback and mentorship during the weekend. - Kari Seitz, a four-time FIFA Women’s World Cup referee and 2026 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, will be among the mentors. - An amputee soccer showcase with the USA Amputee Football Federation will be part of the event. - WAGS tournament director Steve Lovgren said the goal is for players, coaches and referees to leave with opportunities and experiences that help them take their next step.

Between the lines: - The timing pairs a major youth event with a U.S. women’s national team match nearby, creating a visible pipeline from youth participation to the elite game. - WAGS is positioning the tournament as both a competition and a development platform for players, referees and coaches. - The expansion of film access and mentorship suggests the event is trying to influence college recruiting and referee development, not just bracket results.

What’s next: - The tournament will run for three days starting Oct. 10. - WAGS said it will continue focusing on opportunities for women and girls through programming, grants, scholarships and the annual memorial tournament. - The organization said it will keep investing in players, referees, coaches and future leaders as the women’s game grows.