The Iowa high school softball season is winding down, which means the IGHSAU softball state tournament is just around the corner.
Play for all five classes will run from July 20-24 in Fort Dodge. Things are a bit different this year, as the IGHSAU has shifted the tournament to a double-elimination format. Despite more games being played, the tournament will remain the same length, with five fields used instead of just two. Championship games will be held on Thursday (2A and 4A) and Friday (1A, 3A and 5A).
The pairings for Class 1A and 2A were released Monday. The pairings for Class 3A, 4A and 5A will be released Tuesday night.
Check out the first round matchups and full state tournament schedule for each class below:
IGHSAU state softball tournament bracket 2026
Class 5A
Monday, July 20 – state tournament Day 1
Tuesday, July 21- state tournament Day 2
Wednesday, July 23 – state tournament Day 3
Friday, July 24 – state championship
Class 4A
Monday, July 20 – state tournament Day 1
Tuesday, July 21- state tournament Day 2
Wednesday, July 23 – state tournament Day 3
Thursday, July 23 – state championship
Class 3A
Monday, July 20 – state tournament Day 1
Tuesday, July 21- state tournament Day 2
Wednesday, July 23 – state tournament Day 3
Friday, July 24 – state championship
Class 2A
Monday, July 20 – state tournament Day 1
Tuesday, July 21- state tournament Day 2
Wednesday, July 23 – state tournament Day 3
Thursday, July 23 – state championship
Class 1A
Monday, July 20 – state tournament Day 1
Tuesday, July 21- state tournament Day 2
Wednesday, July 23 – state tournament Day 3
Friday, July 24 – state championship
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa high school softball state tournament 2026: See IGHSAU brackets
Reporting by Will Kennedy, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Will Kennedy, Des Moines Register | USA TODAY Network
