The NWSL will not schedule games in June 2026 to align with the men's World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States. The decision aims to accommodate stadium demands, as several NWSL markets will host World Cup games. Commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized the importance of logistics in managing the overlap of events. The NWSL will kick off its season on February 20, 2026, with the Challenge Cup, marking its earliest start in a calendar year amid growing adaptations for international tournaments.
The NWSL announced it will not play games next June for the start of the 2026 men's World Cup, adjusting its scheduling to accommodate stadium demands.
The league remains focused on preserving competitive integrity and exploring innovative scheduling solutions around the men's World Cup.
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman indicated challenges in running the league's logistics amidst the men's World Cup in many markets.
Historically, the NWSL has played during women's World Cups, but this trend is changing as the league adapts to international duty impacts.
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