Expanded NWSL reveals 2026 schedule framework

Field Level Media|published: Wed 2nd July, 13:32 2025

NWSL: Kansas City Current at Washington Spirit

Sep 30, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; A general view of the game ball before the game between Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current at Audi Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The National Women's Soccer League announced the framework for the 2026 season on Wednesday.

The season begins on Feb. 20 with the NWSL Challenge Cup between the reigning NWSL champion and the previous season's Shield winner.

The regular season starts on March 13 with the 16 teams -- including expansion clubs in Boston and Denver -- each playing 30 matches through the Oct. 30-Nov. 1 weekend. No official league matches will be played from June 1-28.

The opening round of the playoffs will be Nov. 6-8, followed by the semifinals from Nov. 13-15 and the 2026 NWSL Championship on Nov. 21.

--Field Level Media