WGI 2026 is almost here.

With just over a week until the 2026 Winter Guard International season officially kicks off, the FloMarching staff have put together a short list of five winter guard programs (and a few honorable mentions) that you need to make sure to watch this 2026 season.

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Without further ado...

Fantasia (IW)

One of 2025's most-loved shows was Fantasia's, "Borne Aloft The Rising Tide." Between the stunning (and iconic) opening movement, high-flying tosses, and emotional soundtrack, crowds across the country were treated to a feast of entertainment every time Fantasia walked onto the floor. The California-based ensemble has garnered top finishes over recent years, but has yet to reclaim WGI World Class gold when they last achieved the feat in 2008.

With Pride of Cincinnati no longer fielding an ensemble, Fantasia (which finished third at WGI World Championships last season) has the perfect setup to let its positive momentum from the last few years propel them to an unforgettable 2026 season.

Catch performances from Fantasia this WGI season at the WGI Color Guard San Diego Regional on February 21-22, the WGI Color Guard Manhattan Beach Regional+ on March 7-8, the WGI Color Guard Palm Desert Regional+ on March 21-22, and at the 2026 WGI Color Guard World Championships on April 9-11.

Avon (SW)

Perennial gold medalist Avon HS is making its return back to the competitive playing field after a historic 2024 finale (in which its program "Voilà" earned an all-time high score of 99.350) and a hiatus during the 2025 season. 

As of the writing of this article, Avon HS have not announced any information regarding its 2026 program, but as a program with four first place finishes since 2018, you can never count out Avon HS.

Catch performances from Avon HS this WGI season at the WGI Color Guard Indianapolis Regional+ on February 21-22, the WGI Color Guard Avon Regional+ on March 14-15, and at the 2026 WGI Color Guard World Championships on April 9-11.

Opus Independent (IO)

Hot off the heels of an incredibly successful season with its 2025 program titled "Underneath the London Sky," Opus Independent has bid adieu to Independent A and are moving up to Independent Open for the 2026 WGI season. The Charlotte-based ensemble is only going into its fourth season and is already winning over the hearts of fans across the nation. While Opus Independent has not released any information about its 2026 program as of the time of writing this article, we have a hunch that they're going to make a splash in IO this season.

Catch performances from Opus Independent this WGI season at the WGI Color Guard Charlotte Regional+ on February 28-March 1, the WGI Color Guard Buford Regional+ on March 21-22, and at the 2026 WGI Color Guard World Championships on April 9-11.

Palm Desert Charter Middle School (SO)

Everyone's favorite middle school winter guard is making its return to WGI World Championships for 2026 following three consecutive appearance at WGI Scholastic Open Class Finals in Dayton. Last year's production, "Welcome To Middle School" encapsulated Palm Desert Charter Middle School's ability to entertain crowds while performing skills at a ridiculously high level. While fans are still waiting to hear about PDCMS's 2026 production, this California-based crew is always one to keep an eye on. 

Catch performances from Palm Desert Charter Middle School this WGI season at the WGI Color Guard San Diego Regional on February 21-22, the WGI Color Guard Manhattan Beach Regional+ on March 7-8, the WGI Color Guard Palm Desert Regional+ on March 21-22, and at the 2026 WGI Color Guard World Championships on April 9-11.

John C. Birdlebough HS (SA)

The Scholastic and Independent A classes are always a tough pick because there seems to be a consistent amount of shifting year to year, with ensembles opting to stay in A or move up to Open. While a lot of WGI's 2025 Scholastic A ensembles have opted to bump themselves up to Open class (or are passing on a trip to Dayton this year), one stand-out group from last year that's making its way to Dayton this year is John C. Birdlebough HS. Last year's Elvis inspired show was not only powerful but strikingly clean, earning top marks at WGI regionals throughout the season and a 6th place finish at WGI World Championships last season. 

The Central New York-based ensemble lists a show title in the bio of its Instagram page ("The End"), but hasn't released a show graphic or further information about its 2026 program at the time of writing this article. Either way, while the Phoenix guard may not be a household name yet, positive momentum from a successful 2025 season bodes well for a strong start to 2026.

Catch performances from John C. Birdlebough HS this WGI season at the WGI Color Guard Corning Regional on February 14, the WGI Color Guard Philadelphia Regional+ on February 21-22, the WGI Color Guard Bethlehem Regional+ on March 21-22, and at the 2026 WGI Color Guard World Championships on April 9-11.

Honorable Mentions

Because we couldn't help ourselves, here are a few more guards that are worth keeping in the back of your mind, either because they're back after a hiatus, a new off-shoot of one of your favorite Open/World class ensemble, or just because we're excited about them!

• AMP (IO): A brand-new extension of the AMP color guard offering. In their own words, "This marks a new chapter in our commitment to excellence in the marching arts. Both guards will showcase unique productions, world-class design, and the signature AMP energy we know and love." AMP IO's 2026 program is titled, "Dream On"
• Paramount (IA): The long-awaited return of Paramount's A class program has arrived! In their own words, "The mission of the Independent A Guard is to provide performers with a nurturing yet challenging environment where they can develop and refine their performance skills, deepen their passion for the activity, and experience and embody the core values of Paramount. As with every Paramount program, the Independent A Guard will carry forward our commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, and education." Paramount IA's 2026 program is titled, "Forget Me Not."
• ORIGINS World & Open: After a year-long hiatus throughout the 2025 season, ORIGINS World and ORIGINS Open will be making a much-anticipated return to the competitive field for the 2026 WGI season.
• Tarpon Springs HS (SW): Fans can look forward to seeing Tarpon Springs HS back in Dayton in 2026! The Florida-based program makes the long trek to Ohio every other year for a chance to compete at WGI World Championships.
• Onyx A (IA): Another World class favorite that is reviving its A class ensemble for 2026 is Onyx. It has been a few years since Onyx A has taken the floor in competition, but we're excited to see what this revival of a powerhouse program will do this season.