Little League Softball Regionals 2026 Kick Off Across the U.S.

The 2026 Little League Softball World Series looms in August, and the United States is already gearing up for its qualifying contests. Seven regional tournaments launch this week, spreading from California to Connecticut, with host cities ranging from San Bernardino to Warner Robins. Johnston County’s recent triumph in the North Carolina regional has already secured a coveted spot, while seven additional berths remain up for grabs.

Eight U.S. Regions Showcase Talent

The Central region, based in Whitestown, Indiana, features powerhouses such as Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri, alongside Illinois and Iowa, which are marked as suspended in the current bracket. The Mid‑Atlantic tournament lands in Bristol, Connecticut, and includes Maryland, New Jersey, and New York, with Washington, DC flagged as inactive. New England gathers Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont, while the Northwest zone operates out of San Bernardino, California, and fields Idaho, Montana, and Washington.

The Southeast region, hosted by Warner Robins, Georgia, showcases Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, alongside South Carolina, which posted an 11‑0 win over West Virginia in opening play. The Southwest bracket, centered in Waco, Texas, lists Texas East, Texas West, Louisiana, and Oklahoma as competing teams. Finally, the West region, also in San Bernardino, includes Nevada, Northern California, and Southern California, plus Hawaii and Utah, which are currently noted as unavailable.

Catch the Action on ESPN and Beyond

All regional matchups will air on ESPN and ESPN2, with championship contests highlighted for prime‑time viewing. Fans can stream live via the ESPN app or fubo, and fubo subscribers gain access to the ESPN platform at no extra cost. This multi‑platform approach ensures that even casual observers can follow the next wave of talent.

Key games such as the Central Region semifinal between Kentucky and Missouri are slated for 3:45 p.m. ET on Tuesday, while the New England championship is scheduled for noon on Thursday. Mid‑Atlantic matchups will appear on ESPN2, with times varying from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. across the week.

International Teams Rounding Out the Field

Beyond the U.S. qualifiers, four international slots will join the Greenville bracket. The Europe‑Africa sector is currently represented by Italy’s Emilia Romagna Little League, and Latin America will be filled by Puerto Rico’s Guayama Softball Little League. The Asia‑Pacific and Canada regions have yet to announce their representatives, leaving two spots still undetermined.

Path to the World Series

The U.S. regional schedule runs from July 17 through July 23, culminating in regional championships that feed directly into the Little League Softball World Series. The series opens on August 2 and runs through August 9, with the final match set for August 9. Previously, Pitt County captured the 2024 national title, and Johnston County’s early advance hints at the competitive depth already visible in 2026.