Overview

• The league will pause games throughout June 2026 to accommodate World Cup matches in seven host markets, then allow a three-week schedule overlap in July.
• The season opens on Feb. 20, 2026 with a Challenge Cup matchup between the defending Shield winner and league champion, marking the earliest competitive match since 2013.
• Regular-season play begins on March 13 under a unified 30-match format that includes new expansion franchises in Boston and Denver.
• The NWSL Championship is set for Nov. 21, 2026, three days before a FIFA window featuring a Concacaf W Championship that doubles as 2027 World Cup and 2028 Olympic qualifying.
• The framework balances competitive integrity with stadium logistics by aligning league operations around FIFA and Concacaf international windows.