NWSL Season Kicks Off Expansion
The 2026 NWSL season is launching with a historic expansion to 16 clubs and a fully balanced 30-match schedule, according to *Attacking Third* []. Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson are returning after injury or maternity leave []. However, multiple clubs have uncertainty at the goalkeeper position due to injuries and international duties [].
The 2026 NWSL season marks the debut of Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC, expanding the league to 16 teams. The expansion prompted a scheduling change, increasing the regular-season slate from 26 to 30 matches per team. The full schedule includes 240 regular-season matches, seven playoff games, and the annual Challenge Cup. The NWSL will pause the regular season from June 1-28 to accommodate the FIFA Men's World Cup being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Seven NWSL markets will also host World Cup matches, including Seattle, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, and New York/New Jersey. The league is working to minimize scheduling conflicts due to stadium demands. Several teams face uncertainty at the goalkeeper position. Bella Bixby of the Portland Thorns is out for the season with an injury, leaving Morgan Messner as the only guaranteed goalkeeper. The North Carolina Courage acquired Kailen Sheridan after losing Casey Murphy to Boston.
