Denver, Colo. – In July of 2025, the North American Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) formally laid out a “competition framework” for their pending 2026 season and schedule.
The 16-team league that includes the newest expansion teams, Denver Summit and Boston Legacy, will launch its 13th-season of play on February 20, with the NWSL Challenge Cup match. It will feature 2025 Champions Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current.
The Challenge Cup will be followed up by the grand opening of the 2026 season on March 13.
Appreciating all to well the fact that their season will in part overlap with the Men’s World Cup Tournament, the NWSL has adjusted the layout of its schedule, so as to accommodate FIFA and the demand for venues for both play and base camps for the teams.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico will play host to the international event starting on June 11, and wrapping up on July 18.
Fans should expect no matches to be played from June 1 through June 28. The mandatory CBA break will coincide with shutdown from competitive play.
In a league statement posted on July 2, 2025, is was written, “With seven of the league’s 16 markets hosting World Cup programming, the NWSL is proactively adjusting its scheduling framework to accommodate expected stadium demands.”
The league remains focused on preserving competitive integrity and delivering a successful season while continuing to explore innovative scheduling and operational solutions to navigate the unique challenges of this landmark global event.”
The 248-game schedule will be announced Thursday, January 15. It will include Summit FC’s inaugural campaign.
Their games will be played in three stadiums: Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in downtown Denver, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, and then at the to-be-constructed, temporary 12,000 seat venue in Centennial.
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Matt Pollard 