Cif Football Playoffs
In short
The CIF-SS football playoff brackets and pairings have been officially released for the 2026 season. Teams from Menifee, Orange County, and the Coachella Valley are preparing for their first-round matches this Friday.
In plain words
High school football teams compete in these knockout tournaments to win a regional championship. The brackets group teams into different divisions based on their skill levels and local regions.
A simple example
Santa Margarita holds the top seed in Division 1, while Liberty and SRA will play their first home games this Friday.
Why it matters
These playoffs determine the best high school football teams in the Southern Section. They provide a high-stakes end to the regular season for local athletes.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse these regional CIF-SS playoffs with the state-wide CIF championships.