"The 2026 NWSL 248-match season kicks off on March 13 when 2025 season runners-up Washington Spirit host Portland Thorns FC at Audi Field. Two expansion clubs, Denver Summit and Boston Legacy, join the league for this 14th season. Defending champions Gotham FC get their season underway March 14 vs. Boston Legacy at Gillette Stadium. Denver travel to Bay FC for their first match. The March 14 slate features a total of five games."
"No regular season matches will be staged from June 1-28 as the league will pause play for a CBA-mandated break from June 8-14 and for the remainder of the month while the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup is played across the United States, Mexico and Canada. The league will return to regular season play on July 3 following the conclusion of the World Cup group stage."
The 2026 NWSL season features 248 matches and begins March 13, with Washington Spirit hosting Portland Thorns FC. Two expansion clubs, Denver Summit and Boston Legacy, increase the league roster for the 14th season. Defending champions Gotham FC open March 14 against Boston Legacy while Denver starts at Bay FC. Each club will play 30 regular-season matches, with 15 home and 15 away fixtures. The league pauses June 1–28 for a CBA-mandated break and the 2026 FIFA men's World Cup, then resumes July 3. The NWSL Challenge Cup takes place June 26 in Columbus, Ohio, and the championship is set for Nov. 21.
Read at ESPN.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]