The NWSL announced on Wednesday that it will not play games next June for the start of the 2026 World Cup, which will be predominantly played in the United States.

2026 NWSL schedule key dates Feb. 20: Challenge Cup March 13: Regular season begins June 1-28: League pause Oct. 31-Nov. 1: Decision Day Nov. 6-15: Playoffs Nov. 21: Championship game ...

Just as it did this year, the Challenge Cup will serve as the introduction to the season on Feb. 20, 2026, between the reigning NWSL champions and the league shield winners from last season.

North Carolina Courage's new signing will come up against plenty of familiar faces on Sunday, after spending the last six years in the NWSL ...

The season will begin on Feb. 20 with the Challenge Cup, which will feature the reigning NWSL champion and the previous season’s Shield winner. The regular season will kick off on March 13.