NWSL announces major schedule change around 2027 Women's World Cup

The National Women’s Soccer League will begin its 2027 season earlier than ever, the league announced on Aug. 5.

The NWSL regular season will kick off Feb. 11, 2027 in Los Angeles, the same weekend as the Super Bowl being held across town. Players will report to preseason training camps in early January, meaning a shortened offseason after the 2026 NWSL Championship on Nov. 21.

For comparison, the 2026 regular season began on March 13.

The NWSL made the change to accommodate the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will take place June 24 to July 25 in Brazil and feature many of the league’s top players. The NWSL will pause its season during the World Cup but will still play a full 30-game schedule in which every team will play every opponent home and away.

The NWSL Challenge Cup, a neutral-site game played between the reigning champion and the previous season’s Shield winner, will be played on Feb. 6 one week before the regular season begins.

The 2027 regular season will end Oct. 31 and playoffs will begin Nov. 5. The 2027 NWSL Championship will be held Nov. 20 at a site yet to be determined. The complete schedule will be released at a later date.

March 25: Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger makes a save on a shot by Denver Summit FC’s Melissa Kossler during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The Denver Summit won the game, 2-0.

March 25: The Washington Spirit’s Esme Morgan (24) heads the ball against the Utah Royals at Audi Field. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

March 21: The North Carolina Courage’s Riley Jackson (right) fights for the ball against Gotham FC’s Esther González (9) and Jessica Carter (27) during the first half at Sports Illustrated Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw.

March 21: Houston Dash midfielder Kiki Van Zanten (12) controls the ball as Boston Legacy FC defender Jorelyn Carabalí (16) defends during the first half at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston won the game, 3-0.