NWSL Adjusts Schedule for 2026 Season
On Wednesday, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) announced an adjustment to its schedule for the upcoming 2026 season to accommodate the men’s World Cup, which will predominantly take place in the United States. Notably, the NWSL will halt games next June, as seven of the league’s 16 markets are expected to host World Cup events.
“We are proactively adapting our scheduling framework to meet the anticipated demands of stadium use during this significant global occasion,”
the league expressed in an official statement.
Operational Adjustments During the World Cup
Amidst these changes, NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman emphasized previously to ESPN that the league would not completely suspend operations for the duration of the men’s World Cup. Notably, there is a potential overlap of three weeks in July when the NWSL’s schedule could coincide with World Cup activities. Berman remarked on the logistical complexities of integrating business operations with the World Cup’s presence in several NWSL markets, indicating that this is an active challenge the league is navigating.
Future Women’s World Cup and Historical Context
In addition to the men’s tournament, the United States is also set to be the key host nation for the 2031 women’s World Cup. Historically, the NWSL continued its matches during women’s World Cups, even though many of its players were called up for international duties. However, this approach is evolving; last year, the league took a month-long hiatus for the Olympics and implemented a five-week break in the previous summer to align with various continental competitions.
2026 Season Kickoff and Championship Details
Kickoff for the 2026 NWSL season is slated for February 20, commencing with the Challenge Cup, which will feature a match between the NWSL Shield holder and the reigning NWSL champions. This marks the earliest start for the league in its history, being the first competitive fixture in February since its inception in 2013. Following this, the regular season is set to begin on March 13, 2026, with the league expanding to 16 teams thanks to new franchises in Boston and Denver. Each team will engage in a standardized 30-match schedule, and the NWSL Championship is scheduled for November 21, 2026.
This championship match will take place just days ahead of a FIFA international window which will host a crucial single-elimination Concacaf W Championship tournament, serving as both the qualifier for the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. The U.S. women’s national team, which primarily features players from the NWSL, will also benefit from being the host country for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, securing their automatic qualification for the Games.
