NWSL plans one-month break during 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, shares 2026 season framework

The National Women's Soccer League is expected to pause for one month from June 1-28 in 2026 due to the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup being held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada,the league announced.

The month-long break will take place due to expanded stadium demands in major NWSL markets.

"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 said in a statement on Wednesday. "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 break will cover the lead-up to the start of the tournament on June 11 and the entire Group Stage. The seven NWSL markets that will be hosting matches are Boston, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.

Per the report, three of them - Kansas City, Houston, and NY/NY - along with Orlando, Louisville, and Herriman, Utah, are also on a list of potential base camp locations for national teams participating in the competition. Training facilities specifically used by the KC Current, Racing Louisville, Houston Dash, and Utah Royals could potentially be utilized for the tournament by visiting countries.

Upon completion of the month-long break, the NWSL will resume playing, which will include matches during the knockout stage portion of the World Cup.

The NWSL also announced its 2026 schedule footprint Wednesday, sharing that the regular season will extend from 26 matches to 30 games, accommodating two new clubs joining the league in Boston Legacy FC and Denver NWSL.

The 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup will be held two weeks earlier than the 2025 edition of the match, with it taking place on Feb. 20 next year. The regular season, however, will kick off on March 13 - the same weekend as it did in 2025. The regular season will conclude on Nov. 1 with the playoffs starting five days later on Nov. 6, followed by the championship on Nov. 21.

With four matches added to next year's schedule due to expansion, each team will play each other twice, both home and away.

The NWSL, currently on break, returns on Aug. 1.