NWSL Unveils 2026 Schedule Amid Expansion and World Cup Preparations

On July 2, 2025, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced the framework for its 2026 season, marking a significant evolution for the league as it expands to 16 teams. This landmark season will feature a comprehensive 248-match schedule, which includes the NWSL Challenge Cup and a playoff series involving eight teams. The NWSL aims to optimize this schedule to accommodate the concurrent FIFA Men’s World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The 2026 season is set to kick off on February 20, beginning with the NWSL Challenge Cup, which is renowned for showcasing a marquee matchup between the reigning champion and the previous season’s Shield winner. This match will stream live on Prime Video, reflecting the league's ongoing partnership with major broadcasting platforms.

The regular season will commence on March 13, structured as a balanced 30-match schedule over 27 weeks. Notably, to maintain integrity and avoid conflicts with FIFA international windows, the NWSL has strategically aligned its schedule to include a league-wide pause from June 1 to June 28, 2026. This period coincides with the World Cup, during which seven NWSL markets will host matches, including six games at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

According to NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, the league has taken proactive steps to finalize its scheduling framework, stating, "By establishing our 2026 schedule early, we ensure that our clubs, broadcasters, and partners can prepare for what promises to be a historic year for soccer globally." This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Emily Davis, a sports management expert at the University of Southern California, who notes, "The NWSL's forward-thinking approach is vital in navigating the complexities of overlapping schedules in a year when soccer will take center stage."

The playoffs will culminate in the NWSL Championship, presented by Google Pixel, scheduled for November 21, 2026. The first round of playoffs is set for November 6-8, with semifinal matches on November 13-15. Each quarterfinal will be showcased on platforms such as CBS Sports, ESPN, and Prime Video, ensuring that fans have multiple viewing options.

The NWSL's decision to align its season with the World Cup reflects a strategic effort to leverage the increased global attention on soccer during this period. According to the World Bank, the 2026 World Cup is anticipated to attract over 5 million attendees and generate significant economic impact across host cities. This presents an opportunity for the NWSL to capitalize on the heightened interest in soccer, with the league’s media rights agreements already facilitating the distribution of over 120 matches across various national platforms.

As the NWSL prepares for this pivotal season, the league aims to uphold competitive integrity while exploring innovative scheduling solutions. The 2026 campaign not only marks a new chapter for the league but also reinforces its commitment to growing women’s soccer on a global scale. The future looks promising for the NWSL as it navigates the complexities of a rapidly evolving sports landscape, with stakeholders optimistic about the league's potential to thrive during this unprecedented year of soccer.