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WPIAL Boys Soccer 2026-2027 realignment is set

On Monday, Pittsburgh Soccer Now has learned that WPIAL Boys and Girls athletic directors and soccer coaches recieved an email with 2026-2027 realignment grids.

We have the full listing of all four classifications along with each revamped section can be found below.

Among the most notable changes (on first review) for WPIAL Boys Soccer realignment include:

  • Class 2A is absolutely packed with more schools than ever before — with 36 boys teams and now with five (!!) section
  • Some traditional geographical rivals are broken up in Class 2A, namely Deer Lakes and Shady Side Academy are now in separate sections.
  • Class 1A shrinks to 21 teams with just three sections
  • Class 4A remains somewhat similar with three sections, but some movement with Moon and Bethel Park as notable schools moving up
  • Class 3A drops a few schools, down to 26 teams tota
  • Another geographical rivalry won’t happen, as even though Plum drops down to 3A after a two-year run in 4A, they will not be put in same section as Franklin Regional.

In addition to the 2026 season being the first of the two-year realignment, there will be additional changes coming including the removal of overtime (extra time) from regular season matches and approval for PIAA sanctioned matches to begin incorporating diagonal system of officiating (one main center official and two linesmen).

Coaches weigh in as PIAA board approves steps to incorporate diagonal system of officiating, scraps extra time from regular season

2026-2027 WPIAL Boys Soccer Realignment by Classification

(c) — part of two-school cooperative partnership 

Class 4A

Section 1
  • Central Catholic
  • Connellsville
  • Fox Chapel (2025 WPIAL Class 4A Champion) 
  • Gateway
  • Hempfield Area
  • Norwin
Section 2
  • Baldwin
  • Bethel Park
  • Canon-McMillan
  • Mt. Lebanon
  • Peters Township
  • Upper St Clair
Section 3 
  • Butler
  • Moon
  • North Allegheny
  • North Hills
  • Pine-Richland
  • Seneca Valley

Class 3A

Section 1
  • Armstrong
  • Franklin Regional
  • Greater Latrobe
  • Greensburg Salem
  • Indiana
  • Kiski Area
  • Penn-Trafford
Section 2
  • Albert Gallatin
  • Laurel Highlands
  • McKeesport
  • Ringgold
  • Thomas Jefferson
  • Trinity
  • Uniontown (c)
Section 3 
  • Hampton
  • Mars
  • Penn Hills (c)
  • Plum
  • Shaler
  • Woodland Hills
Section 4
  • Blackhawk
  • Central Valley
  • Chartiers Valley
  • Montour
  • South Fayette
  • West Allegheny (2025 WPIAL Class 3A Champion) 

 

Class 2A

Section 1
  • Burrell
  • Deer Lakes (2025 WPIAL Class 2A Champion) 
  • Freeport
  • Highlands
  • Knoch
  • Leechberg (c)
  • Valley
Section 2
  • Ambridge
  • Beaver
  • Ellwood City
  • Hopewell
  • Mohawk
  • North Catholic
  • Riverside
  • South Side (c)
Section 3 
  • Avonworth
  • East Allegheny
  • Quaker Valley
  • Shady Side Academy
  • South Allegheny
  • Steel Valley
  • West Mifflin
Section 4
  • Charleroi (c)
  • Elizabeth Forward
  • Keystone Oaks
  • McGuffey
  • Seton LaSalle
  • South Park
  • Waynesburg Central
Section 5
  • Belle Vernon
  • Brownsville
  • Derry
  • Ligonier Valley
  • Mt. Pleasant
  • Southmoreland
  • Yough

Class 1A

Section 1
  • Aquinas Academy
  • Beaver County Christian
  • Eden Christian
  • Freedom Area
  • Neshannock
  • Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
  • Sewickley Academy
Section 2
  • Bentworth (2025 WPIAL Class 1A Champion) 
  • Beth-Center
  • Bishop Canevin
  • Brentwood
  • Carlynton
  • Chartiers-Houston
  • Serra Catholic

 

Section 3 
  • Greensburg Central Catholic
  • Jeannette
  • Riverview
  • Saint Joseph
  • Springdale
  • Trinity Christian
  • Winchester Thurston

 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

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