The primary half of the 2026 NWSL season is within the books.
The league is formally on summer season break because the will get underway all through North America this week. NWSL stars will probably be in motion through the FIFA window as 138 NWSL gamers have been referred to as as much as symbolize their respective international locations, together with the ‘s “Triple Espresso,” the trio of Olympic gold-medalists (Washington Spirit), (Portland Thorns) and (Chicago Stars).
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The common season will resume on July 3. Earlier than we glance forward to what’s certain to be an epic second-half of the season, let’s take a deep dive into how the primary half shook out. Here is the largest storylines on the halfway level of the 2026 NWSL season, from the MVP race to the Utah Royals’ turnaround and Wilson’s return:
Can Temwa Chawinga win third consecutive MVP?
The Golden Boot race is simply getting began. Kansas Metropolis Present ahead Temwa Chawinga gained the Golden Boot in back-to-back seasons and he or she’s inside hanging distance of a three-peat. Chawinga missed the primary 4 video games of the season resulting from harm, but it surely did not take lengthy for her to return to her scoring methods. The 27-year-old scored three objectives towards the Chicago Stars, marking the primary half-trick of her profession. She reveals no indicators of slowing down. Chawinga is as much as seven objectives in eight video games, trailing front-runner Orlando Delight ahead ‘s 11 objectives in 12 matches.
The Golden Boot winner has gained the NWSL MVP award in each season however one for the reason that league started play in 2013. ( was named the 2018 MVP when gained the Golden Boot.) So it is secure to say Banda leads the MVP race as effectively, however she’ll face stiff competitors down the stretch with Chawinga and North Carolina Braveness midfielder (seven objectives, one help).
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If Chawinga goes on to win MVP once more, she would change into the primary participant in NWSL historical past to win the award in three consecutive seasons. She already made historical past along with her two consecutive MVP awards.
Kansas Metropolis Present ahead Temwa Chawinga takes a shot on objective.
Will Utah Royals finish playoff drought?
The Utah Royals’ have emerged as an unlikely championship contenders. Final season, the Royals completed twelfth out of 14 groups with 26 factors throughout 25 video games and missed the playoffs but once more. The Royals have not superior to the postseason within the franchise’s brief historical past. That might change this yr. Via the primary 12 matches of the season, the Royals sit in second place with 24 factors and rank second within the league in objective differential (8). The group’s seven wins are greater than all of final season and they’re presently on a 10-game unbeaten streak. The renaissance season has been led by forwards Cloé Lacasse, who has 4 objectives in 12 begins, and , who has 4 objectives and 4 assists in 9 begins. Utah head coach Jimmy Coenraets was named Might Coach of the Month following the Royals’ quick begin.
Will Sophia Wilson’s return to Portland be short-lived?
Wilson missed the whole thing of the 2025 season on maternity depart after welcoming daughter Gianna with NFL husband Michael Wilson in September. She returned to Portland this season and shortly discovered her footing. Wilson is as much as 5 objectives in 10 begins on the halfway level because the Thorns comfortably sit in third place within the standings. And Portland is rolling. The group leads the league in objectives (20) and has been close to impenetrable at house, conceding two objectives this season at Windfall Park. The Thorns’ 638 consecutive minute shutout streak set a NWSL file.
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The large query, nevertheless, is whether or not or not Wilson will probably be in a Portland uniform subsequent yr? Wilson exercised her participant possibility for the 2026 season, however she’ll be capable of negotiate as a free agent beginning in July. Retaining Wilson ought to be the highest precedence of the Portland, the place Wilson has performed her total NWSL profession.
Will San Diego Wave win the NWSL protect?
The Wave are atop the standings. Can they maintain on to win the franchise’s second NWSL Protect, the award for one of the best regular-season file. Dudinha leads the Wave’s offense in each objectives (5) and assists (4). The group’s 19 objectives is second solely to the Portland Thorns (20), however San Diego has conceded 13 objectives to offer them a objective differential of six, tied for the third-largest within the league.
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And the Wave is doing all of it with out ahead , who the Wave acquired in March from Ladies and signed by way of the 2030 season. The deal was made attainable due to the , generally known as the “Rodman Rule,” which permits golf equipment to exceed the league’s wage cap by as much as $1 million for gamers that meet sure standards. Nevertheless, Macario’s debut for the membership has been delayed by a heel harm. When she returns to the pitch, the Wave will probably be much more harmful.
Key 2026 NWSL dates
Solely time will inform how the remainder of the season performs out when the season resumes subsequent month, however this is some upcoming dates to remember:
June 26: 2026 NWSL Problem Cup | Reigning NWSL Champion Gotham FC will face off towards the 2025 NWSL Protect-winning Kansas Metropolis Present within the 2026 NWSL Problem Cup at ScottsMiracle-Gro Subject in Columbus, Ohio.
July 1: The free company window formally opens, permitting gamers to barter and signal with new groups for the 2027 season.
July 3: Common season play resumes
July 14: Secondary switch window opens
Oct. 25: Common season ends
Nov. 6−Nov. 8: NWSL quarterfinals
Nov.14 – Nov. 15: NWSL semifinals
Nov. 21: 2026 NWSL championship | Audi Subject in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 21. Kickoff is ready for 8 p.m. ET.
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