In the dog days of winter, the light at the end of the tunnel is the NWSL season. Soon enough, your favorite players and clubs will be back on the pitch for the 2026 season: on the hunt for revenge, to make an impression, or to shock the doubters.
With more NWSL teams and games than ever before, there is a lot to look forward to, but some matchups are simply irresistible. Who better to weigh in with their most anticipated games of the season than the experts?
NWSL analysts Marion Crowder, Lori Lindsey, Jill Loyden, Merritt Mathias, Lianne Sanderson, and McCall Zerboni give their takes below.
MARION CROWDER
GOTHAM FC VS. WASHINGTON SPIRIT | JULY 15
Who doesn’t love a rematch? The 2025 NWSL Championship added another chapter to this rivalry, but with the World Cup Final taking place just down the road from Sports Illustrated Stadium just days later, well, the energy should be intense.
“It is sure to be an incredible soccer atmosphere. Plus it will set the stage for their October matchup where points will be at a premium.”
NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE VS. PORTLAND THORNS | APRIL 4
This is a battle of NWSL history. There are five NWSL Shields and five NWSL Championships between North Carolina and Portland alone, but both teams look very different heading into 2026.
“These are two storied clubs looking to find a new identity and new path forward.”
DENVER SUMMIT FC VS. WASHINGTON SPIRIT | MARCH 28
“I am so excited for this matchup on so many levels. It’s an incredible opportunity for an expansion side to make a statement by packing that place to the brim. What an environment for the stars to shine for both Denver and Washington Spirit. We’ve got vets, the rookies, and everything in between. PSA: GET YOUR TICKETS.”
What Crowder said!
UTAH ROYALS VS. CHICAGO STARS FC | JULY 5
The Royals and Stars closed out 2025 in 12th and 14th place respectively, but what the standings don’t show is the burst of life both clubs saw as the season wound down.
“I’m stoked to see how these two coaching staffs continue to navigate that improvement and imprint their style of play into a roster they’ve known for a longer duration. This particular matchup will be right after the month-long break and could be a key three points to get confidence back early.”
ORLANDO PRIDE VS. KANSAS CITY CURRENT | JULY 10
Orlando and Kansas City may not be your classic “Boston vs. New York” geographic-based rivalry, but that doesn’t matter. The Pride are the 2024 NWSL Championships. The Current are the 2025 Shield winners. Both have had spectacular and dominant runs, and when they come together, it’s nothing short of electric.
“The intensity of these two sides will speak for itself.”
JILL LOYDEN
BOSTON LEGACY FC VS. DENVER SUMMIT FC | MAY 3
Expansion Derby time! How can fans not be hyped to see what these teams will bring to the pitch? Two cities with excellent sports culture go head-to-head for the first time. This will set the tone for matchups in the future and the dynamics between the new clubs. By the time this game rolls around, it’ll be nearly two months into the season.
“These teams will have identities by then.”
ANGEL CITY FC VS. SAN DIEGO WAVE FC | MAY 9
Angel City and San Diego never fail to deliver in this SoCal rivalry. There is just something about a game for regional bragging rights that lights a fire under these teams, and both come into 2026 figuring out their new identities. The next chapter of this rivalry promises to be as spicy as ever.
KANSAS CITY CURRENT VS. PORTLAND THORNS FC | MAY 24
Portland and Kansas City both fell short of their playoff goals in 2025 after strong runs, but things will look different this time around. For the Current, 2025 Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga finished the year injured, and gamechanger Michelle Cooper will start the season on SEI. The Thorns lost longtime captain Sam Coffey over the offseason, but Sophia Wilson is set to be back in action after taking maternity leave last year. By the end of May, both teams will have settled into the season, but as they navigate big losses, it’s a matter of adapting.
WASHINGTON SPIRIT VS. GOTHAM FC | OCTOBER 17
Rowdy Audi Field always brings the energy. A Rowdy Audi Field for a NWSL Championship rematch and revenge game? Get your popcorn ready, folks! This matchup in the last month of the regular season will almost certainly have table implications. There is nothing like a rivalry when it matters the most.
ORLANDO PRIDE VS. SEATTLE REIGN FC | NOVEMBER 1
Speaking of games that matter the most: Decision Day. With all teams kicking off at the same time, it can be make or break for clubs. This particular matchup is the bookend for the Pride and the Reign, who open up and close the season going head-to-head.
“Something will be on the line. They also play each other on the first day and the last day. That’s funny.”
MERRITT MATHIAS
WASHINGTON SPIRIT VS. PORTLAND THORNS FC | MARCH 13
It’s enough that this will be the first NWSL match since the NWSL Championship in November, but a Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns clash rarely disappoints. Add the fact that two thirds of “Triple Espresso” (Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson) will face off, consider us caffeinated.
“Trinity Rodman vs. the return of Sophia Wilson. Pure cinema. LFG.”
BOSTON LEGACY FC VS. DENVER SUMMIT FC | MAY 3
“The first time will only happen one time in the history of the NWSL. Who will get the bragging rights in this expansion team match-up? I guess we will have to wait and see. Annoying.”
SAN DIEGO WAVE FC VS. ANGEL CITY FC | MAY 9
“I do not know what is in the air in Southern California, but it always seems to spark a game that is equal parts insanity and intensity making it a must watch match-up.”
PORTLAND THORNS FC VS. SEATTLE REIGN FC | MARCH 20
The second weekend of games, and there’s a Cascadia Rivalry game? Oh, what a gift. The history here speaks for itself.
“The rivalry of all rivalries is on the must-watch list. Seattle Reign vs. Portland Thorns in Providence Park. STOP IT. The mutual hatred can only be upheld with a decade worth of triumphant wins and devastating losses. The Reign got their faces rubbed in turf last year. The question is: will they get their licks back in 2026?”
RACING LOUISVILLE FC VS. WASHINGTON SPIRIT | MARCH 20
It was a Cinderella season for Racing Louisville in 2025. The club qualified for its first-ever playoff appearance, and they put up a heck of a fight against the Washington Spirit, forcing PKs at Audi Field.
“The Revenge Tour. I cannot wait for the first meeting between these two teams. ‘Blue-collar’ Racing Louisville with a chip on their shoulder vs. ‘White-Collar’ Washington Spirit with something to prove. These teams were destined to clash.”
LIANNE SANDERSON
BOSTON LEGACY FC VS. GOTHAM FC | MARCH 14
The chances of a “Yankees suck” chant breaking out at Gillette Stadium are non-zero. That’s just what happens when a Boston and New York team go head-to-head, nevermind that this is the inaugural match for the new kids on the block, the Boston Legacy. There is a lot riding on this for both the Legacy and the reigning champs. A win for Gotham asserts they’re still a force to be reckoned with, while a win for the Legacy makes a statement.
KANSAS CITY CURRENT VS. GOTHAM FC | APRIL 4
Lucky NWSL fans get this match up not once, not twice, but three times in 2026. Before the Current and Gotham faceoff in the Challenge Cup in June, this regular season match will be a litmus test for both teams. The Current’s history-making season was pure dominance that fell short. Gotham, on the other hand, are underdogs no more.
WASHINGTON SPIRIT VS. KANSAS CITY CURRENT | APRIL 24
In the same vein, the Spirit hosting the Current will surely bring out the best of the Washington D.C. faithful. The last time the Current visited Audi Field, they left with a win – no easy feat. They’ll undoubtedly be looking to make a repeat statement, while the Spirit will be looking to make a statement on home turf.
DENVER SUMMIT FC VS. BOSTON LEGACY FC | MAY 3
There are a lot of question marks around both expansion teams. No one has seen them play, practice, or perform under pressure. By May, there will be plenty of film to study, but the first 2026 Expansion Team Derby leaves more than points on the table; pride is at stake.
SAN DIEGO FC VS. ANGEL CITY FC | MAY 9
The SoCal Derby makes its third appearance on this list. Do with that information what you will!
MCCALL ZEBRONI
RACING LOUISVILLE FC VS. HOUSTON DASH | APRIL 3
This is bound to be an “underdog bulldog fight.” Racing Louisville pushed further last year than ever before, and the Dash clawed their way into the playoff race despite a rocky start to the season. These clubs have “similar, scrappy styles. It will be physical and unpredictable.
“Both teams are going to be flirting with that playoff line in the end. Who will have the direct points gained or lost and the head-to-head advantage?”
ORLANDO PRIDE VS. WASHINGTON SPIRIT | APRIL 30
Not only is this a 2024 NWSL Championship rematch, it is a match of tactical prowess. The Pride and Spirit have “similar styles of play with similar lineup formations, which will be small margins for an edge. One-vs.-one battles in each position will be key.”
BOSTON LEGACY FC VS. DENVER SUMMIT FC | MAY 3
“Battle of the Newbies.” Fans will be eyeing this one as a measurement of the club foundations. Both are building a team, culture, and identity “Who is building the fastest and had the better acquisitions from the start of their expansion?”
CHICAGO STARS FC VS. NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE | MAY 16
“These are two teams that could have the biggest turnover seasons this year. I’m anxiously waiting to see the Courage head coach hire because that will be the biggest tell of how invested they are in revamping their club. Did they do their due diligence in finding the best person and put in the time, effort, and money to invest in recouping Courage Country.”
GOTHAM FC VS. KANSAS CITY CURRENT | JUNE 26
“I'm looking forward to this one more than their first match up because it's early in the season. It may be fairly neutral competition and performances. Both teams will still be hitting their stride. Kansas City has a slight advantage being at home but will still be melding in ways with their new head coach. However, by June, they’ll both be peaking and flowing as teams – and duking it out for the top.”