The NWSL is making its return after the extended international break.
Ahead of the matchweek five matches this week, where do teams stand?
16. Boston Legacy | Latest Result: 0-1 loss vs San Diego Wave
The woes for the expansion side continues…
15. Chicago Stars | Latest Result: 0-1 loss at Utah Royals
Outside of their upset win at home against KC Current, the Chicago Stars have been outplayed in every match this season.
14. Racing Louisville | Latest Result: 3-4 loss at Houston Dash
The start of the 2026
NWSL has been an absolute letdown for Bev Yanez and Racing Louisville.
They’ve already dropped several points, as their inability to close out matches continues to be the main theme.
And now? They just conceded four goals to Houston Dash.
13. NJ/NY Gotham FC (-6) | Latest Result: 1-2 loss at KC Current
The Bats are now winless in their last four matches.
Could the arrival of star Guro Reiten provide the boost Gotham FC drastically needs?
12. Bay FC (-3) | Latest Result: 0-2 vs Washington Spirit
They’ve now alternated wins and losses the first four matches.
As expected, this team will be a bit of a rollercoaster with good and bad moments.
However, it’s clear new head coach Emma Coates is transforming the team at a steady pace.
11. NC Courage (-1) | Latest Result: 2-2 vs Portland Thorns
The good news? 2025 Midfielder of the Year, Manaka is back and better than ever.
The bad news? They’ve allowed 2+ goals in consecutive home matches and only picked up a single point.
10. Kansas City Current (+3) | Latest Result: 2-1 win vs Gotham FC
Welcome back two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga!
With KC Current on a three-game losing streak, Debinha and Michelle Cooper completed the comeback with their goals. Chawinga also contributed an incredible assist.
Can they continue this momentum?
9. Utah Royals (+3) | Latest Result: 1-0 win vs Chicago Stars
Could Utah Royals finally be putting it together in the first half of the season?
Possibly, but their past two wins have come over Boston Legacy and Chicago Stars.
Now URFC head on the road with an opportunity to put the league on notice against Seattle Reign.
8. Washington Spirit (+3) | Latest Result: 2-0 win at Bay FC
Their 2-0 victory over Bay FC was their first of the season and snapped a four-game winless streak.
Up next? Hosting the defending NWSL Shield holders, KC Current.
7. Denver Summit (+1) | Latest Result: 0-0 draw at Seattle Reign.
That’s are now unbeaten in their last four matches (1-0-3).
Can they start converting some of these draws into wins?
6. Orlando Pride | Latest Result: 2-1 win vs Angel City FC
After an opening day home loss to Seattle Reign, the Orlando Pride have responded with four game unbeaten run (2-0-2).
The most recent win? A last-minute Haley McCutcheon game-winner to take down the last undefeated team in NWSL, ACFC.
6. Angel City FC (-5) | Latest Result: 1-2 loss at Orlando Pride
They were the last undefeated team in the NWSL and fell in the last moments to Orlando Pride.
Can standouts Sveindís Jónsdóttir, Kennedy Fuller, Gisele Thompson, and ACFC rebound against Portland Thorns?
5. Houston Dash | Latest Result: 4-3 win vs Racing Louisville
Who is the current goalscoring leader in the NWSL? Your current 2026 Golden Boot is Kiki Van Zanten.
How underrated has their attack been? The Houston Dash are third in expected goals (xG).
The club are off to a historic start and continue to find ways to get it done.
4. Seattle Reign FC | Latest Result: 0-0 draw vs Denver Summit
The Seattle Reign ended their three-game homestand before the break unbeaten (2-0-1).
Legend Jess Fishlock has announced her retirement at the end of the season. Can they give her the sendoff she deserves in 2026?
3. Portland Thorns | Latest Result: 2-2 draw at NC Courage
Could not hold two leads against North Carolina Courage, but still managed a tough road draw.
Most importantly, USWNT forward Sophia Wilson just completed her first 90 minutes for the Portland Thorns and looks ready for a breakout match.
2. Orlando Pride (+4) | Latest Result: 2-1 win vs Angel City FC
After an opening day home loss to Seattle Reign, the Orlando Pride have responded with a four game unbeaten run (2-0-2).
The most recent win? A last-minute Haley McCutcheon game-winner to take down the last undefeated team in NWSL, ACFC.
1.San Diego Wave (+1) | Latest Result: 1-0 win at Boston Legacy
Can they be stopped? That’s four consecutive match wins.
Ludmila scored her first goal for her new club and the game-winner.
They are number one in xG (expected goals) and xG conceded – complete on both ends of the pitch.
Simply put, right now, the San Diego Wave are the best team in the NWSL.
Could Catarina Macario make them invincible?
