Illinois’ Future Soccer Stars: Six Rising Phenoms of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class is quickly taking the main spotlight for scouts as the June 15 date for opening of recruiting is approaching. Illinois' current sophomore class is deep - there is more depth in this class than nearly any other state in the country. The top of the rankings for this group includes Youth National Team players but there is plenty of reason for scouts to familiarize themselves with more than a few names in this group.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a scouting report on some of the new names quickly climbing up the rankings from the Illinois 2026 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["110695"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Baird is a forward on the Eclipse Select 08 team. She plays as a center forward, but could easily play any role in the attacking trio. Baird is from Wisconsin, but is part of the Illinois rankings because her club is based in that state. Baird has been a bright spot for Eclipse Select this season. She is technical and quick. She has excellent footwork and can work out of tight spaces. She is a willing presser with a good engine. She offers the framework of a forward who can impact the game at a higher level. She's also been a prolific scorer this season. She should be an early target from the 2026 class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6627fd37a65b4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDDMBnLY4to","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDDMBnLY4to </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["103510"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Capizzi is a midfielder on the Galaxy SC GA 08 team. She was part of the Girls Academy Talent ID Midwest event this season. Capizzi impressed me from game film from the Girls Academy Winter Showcase. Her activity level in the center of the field made a difference. She is a two-way player in the No. 8 role and did really well in getting into passing lanes and disrupting the opposition's rhythm. She has good skill on the ball and can play at a faster pace. She is also a capable finisher and has had opportunities in more advanced role. Capizzi is one to watch during upcoming club events.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6627fd37a663d"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f87ri8f4Mvs","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f87ri8f4Mvs </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["108589"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Minnaert is a defender on the Central Illinois United 08 GA team. She was part of the Girls Academy Talent ID event for the Midwest. She can play center back or outside back. I've mainly seen her play outside back. She wears the captain's armband for her club team. She is right footed but can play writher left or right back. She is good on the ball and plays with the confidence to keep her head up and pick out the run of her teammates. She has good pace and uses it well defensively to shutdown the opposition. Minnaert's play this seasons has been exceptional and should make her a top priority for programs in the region looking for an outside back from this class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6627fd37a66b1"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFLdHBsvzwE","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFLdHBsvzwE </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["22177"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Panduro is a defensive midfielder on the Evolution SC 08 ECNL-RL. She impressed me with her play at the ECNL Event in February. Panduro is an excellent ball-winning No. 6. She is sharp in the tackle and athletic enough to pull off a slide tackle in the open field. Panduro's defensive attributes are the highlight of her game. She is good in possession and a solid passer. I like her quick decision-making on the ball and mentality to move the ball quickly. Panduro's defensive qualities are elite and perhaps among the best from midfielders in this class.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["23583"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Guthrie is a midfielder on the Eclipse Select 08 ECNL team. She previously played for SLSG Navy, and was included in our Missouri rankings. Since switching clubs, she is moved into the Illinois ranking. Guthrie is a high activity midfielder. She can play as a No. 8 or as No. 10. When she is on the field, she is going to cover the most ground out of anyone. She hunts for the ball and earns her touches. She has a good first touch and a knack for working away from pressure. She can provide the key pass and make the decision action in the final third. Guthrie is a national level recruit and should have plenty of suitors among top programs.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["103565"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eBurfeind is a midfielder on the Galaxy SC 08 GA team. I've seen her play as the defensive midfielder for her side. Calm on the ball and quick to connect with teammates, she has been a bright spot for her club side this season with her decision-making. She was excellent during the GA Winter Showcase. Her play on the ball really impressed me as she offered pace to beat players on the dribble, but also with her speed of play as she did well in recognizing when to keep the ball and when to get it moving quickly to her teammates. She keeps close control of the ball and has the quality to shine against better competition. Burfeind has been outstanding this season and should be a top target in the 2026 class.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6627fd37a67ea"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktopu0026v=gO9oQR__Fdgu0026t=7s","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=gO9oQR__Fdg&amp;t=7s </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->