Trinity Rodman meets Sophia Wilson in the first round, and Gotham begins their title defense. GOAL breaks down all eight NWSL playoff teams, key players, and quarterfinal predictions.
The 2026 NWSL season included two new franchises, a historic performance from Gotham FC, a disappointing year from Chicago, again, and a breakout campaign from Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez.
The league and its players’ union resolved six grievances, expanding access to top contracts, protecting most existing footwear deals and creating more opportunities to negotiate bonuses.
No Shield was clinched and no final playoff spot was claimed, as the NWSL season will all come down to Decision Day to determine who's occupying all eight spots in the post-season.
The Barcelona midfielder has won each of the last three prizes - but the 2026 accolade will go to someone else at Monday's ceremony in London after Bonmati's injury-hit campaign
From Sam Kerr, Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy to Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter and Kyra Cooney-Cross, England's top-flight has become the league of choice for top talents from Down Under in recent years
Three prominent Zambian internationals competing in the National Women's Soccer League face an unexpected postponement to their domestic campaigns following stringent border regulations implemented by American authorities. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda leads the affected trio who are sidelined ahead of the decisive upcoming post-season run-in.
The NWSL heads into the international break with a clearer playoff picture: Gotham FC will host a postseason game, while Houston and Bay FC are out of playoff contention.
Atlanta’s National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise unveiled its name, crest and colors Monday, officially introducing Atlanta City FC. The club, one of two set to join the NWSL in 2028, revealed an identity that celebrates the city’s rich history and character while reflecting the team’s ambitions for the future.
Gotham clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 win over North Carolina, while Angel City beat Utah 3-0 and Denver Summit stunned Seattle 2-1 as the NWSL playoff picture took shape.
Another weekend of chaos across the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), from the Boston Legacy shocking the Washington Spirit to a six-goal game between Angel City and Denver Summit FC.
Ashley Sanchez breaks the American NWSL single-season scoring record as North Carolina take top spot in our rankings, while Denver end Gotham's 10-game unbeaten run.
AI can identify Mohamed Salah replacements, map injuries and project youth development. GOAL examines how soccer is using the technology - and its limits
Temwa Chawinga wins Golden Boot, Cameroon makes history winning WAFCON and players like goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, and defenders Yvana Makana
and Maeva Nyadjou showcase young talent across tournament.
With the World Cup approaching, Emma Sears may want out of Louisville, while Mallory Swanson and Claire Hutton must weigh whether struggling NWSL clubs offer the right environments for their futures.
Pietra Tordin’s hat trick lifted Portland past Boston, while Ashley Sanchez scored against her former team in North Carolina’s wild 4-3 win over Washington.
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman addressed the league’s future, media rights, youth development, scheduling changes, and made five league announcements during her midseason press conference.
The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) announced its competition framework for the 2027 season, highlighted by the earliest start in league history. The regular season will kick off Feb. 11 at BMO Stadium, with the schedule constructed to accommodate the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The 2026 summer transfer window promised to be an extremely eventful one in the women's game, with several huge stars on the move, and so it proved. Alexia Putellas, Georgia Stanway and Sam Kerr were just some of those who completed transfers as some of the biggest names in the sport found themselves new clubs over the past three months or so.
The NWSL is reportedly planning to begin its 2027 season on Feb. 11, the earliest opening day in league history, before pausing for the World Cup in Brazil, according to The Athletic. Teams would begin preseason in January, while the playoffs and championship would remain in November, with the altered calendar designed to accommodate the June 24-July 25 tournament in South America.
Sam Kerr scores her first Gotham FC goal as the Bats draw Portland Thorns FC 2-2, while Sofia Cantore lifts Washington Spirit past Lindsey Heaps and Denver Summit FC 1-0. GOAL ranks all 16 NWSL teams in this week’s Power Rankings.
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