2026 NWSL Season Kicks Off with Exciting Matches and New Expansion Teams
The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season is set to begin on March 13, with the 2025 season runners-up Washington Spirit hosting Portland Thorns FC at Audi Field. This marks the 14th season of the NWSL, which will feature 248 matches and the introduction of two new expansion clubs, Denver Summit and Boston Legacy.
Defending champions Gotham FC will start their season on March 14 against Boston Legacy at Gillette Stadium, while Denver Summit will travel to Bay FC for their inaugural match. The March 14 slate features a total of five games, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead. According to the NWSL official website, each club will compete in 30 regular season matches, with 15 home and 15 away fixtures.
Previous Season Recap and Upcoming Schedule
Gotham FC won the 2025 NWSL Championship with a thrilling 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit, thanks to a goal from midfielder Rose Lavelle in the 80th minute. The match was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 18,000 at PayPal Park, with Lavelle being named tournament MVP. As reported by ESPN, the 2026 season will feature a brief pause in play from June 1-28, due to the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The league will resume regular season play on July 3, following the conclusion of the World Cup group stage. The NWSL Challenge Cup, featuring Gotham FC and 2025 NWSL Shield winner Kansas City Current, will take place on June 26 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. This will mark the first time the NWSL has played in Columbus. The regular season is set to end on November 1, with playoffs scheduled to start on November 6-8, semifinal matches on November 13-15, and the 2026 NWSL Championship on November 21.
Expansion Teams and New Opportunities
The addition of Denver Summit and Boston Legacy to the NWSL is expected to bring new excitement and competition to the league. As stated by NWSL Commissioner, the expansion teams will provide more opportunities for players and fans alike, and will help to further grow the sport of women’s soccer in the United States. With the new season just around the corner, fans can expect an action-packed schedule, with opening weekend concluding on Sunday with Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign FC and Angel City FC vs. Chicago Stars FC.
For more information on the 2026 NWSL season, including schedules, teams, and player updates, visit the official NWSL website. Fans can also follow the league on social media platforms, such as Twitter and Instagram, to stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments.
