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NWSL is back!
After Kansas City Current earned the NWSL Shield and NJ/NY Gotham FC won the NWSL Championship in 2025, who are the favorites in 2026?
Without further ado… Here is All For XI’s first power rankings for the 2026 season:
- Kansas City Current
After Vlatko Andonovski was promoted to Sporting Director, Chris Armas now steps in as head coach of the defending NWSL Shield holders.
They have the most balance and the reigning back-t0-back MVP Temwa Chawinga. If healthy, this team has it all to complete the double in 2026.
Can Armas make the adjustment from MLS to NWSL? - NJ/NY Gotham FC
They completed a magical 2025 NWSL playoffs with another championship under head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, despite finishing in eighth during the regular season. The scary part? They’re going to be even better during the 2026 regular season. Keep an eye out for top rookie signings Jordynn Dudley and Andrea Kitahata, as well as the return of USWNT star defender Tierna Davidson.
“Underdogs, my a**!” – Jaedyn Shaw - Washington Spirit
The amount of talent on this roster is arguably the best in the league. Now with Trinity Rodman returning, this team is primed for all trophy contentions this season. The forward line in particular is incredibly strong, with Rodman, Gift Monday, Rosemonde Kouassi, and Lacy Santos, and that’s not even mentioning Claudia Martínez, an extremely exciting new young signing from Paraguay. With Aubrey Kingsbury out on maternity leave, will Sandy MacIver be able to step up? The Spirit made it all the way to the Championship game the past two years, only to finish as runners-up—will this be the season they take home hardware? - Portland Thorns
The return of Sophia Wilson and Marie Müller will undoubtedly bring a major boost to the Rose City. Eventual returns of Caiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver, and Julie Dufour could take this team to a whole new level. However, it comes down to defense, can the backline hold up? - Orlando Pride
Never ever count out Seb Hines and the Orlando Pride. They are the 2024 NWSL Shield and Champions, but had an uneven 2025. In 2026, there are so many questions with departures, injuries, and firepower.
Could the starpower of Jacquie Ovalle return them to title contenders? - Racing Louisville
After making club history by clinching their first ever playoff berth, Bev Yanez and Racing Louisville are looking for more in 2026. This team has found their identify: grit.
They take after their head coach and play with an unrelenting motor for all 90 minutes and stoppage time. In the offseason, they added some of the best young talent to their roster and could make even more noise this time. Can they make even more noise this season? - San Diego Wave
The departure of Delphine Cascarino is sure to hurt, but the addition of Ludmila will help alleviate their scoring concerns which was at the forefront of 2025. The San Diego Wave was the No. 1 team in possession last season and expect that to continue in 2026.
Can Ludmila be the dominant goalscorer the club desperately needs? - Seattle Reign
In 2025, Laura Harvey’s side showed a new side of them with defense at the forefront. With world class goalkeeper Claudia Dickey in goal, this club will be hard to beat, period.
The only question that remains, who will step up and score the goals? With the impending departure of Jordyn Huitema, the answer is even more mysterious… - North Carolina Courage
NC Courage barely missed out on the playoffs in 2025 after making changes in the front office and later at head coach. Now, Mak Lind steps in and hopes to bring the club back to their winning ways.
The potential in midfield with Manaka, Ashley Sanchez, and Riley Jackson is limitless, but who will step up on the frontline? - Denver Summit
If Denver Summit weren’t an expansion side, they would be ranked even higher. This team is absolutely flushed with talent and could surprise everyone. Their backline of Carson Pickett, Eva Gaetino, Kaleigh Kurtz, and Ayo Oke has tons of potential.
Could they become the third ever NWSL expansion side to make the playoffs? And will USWNT captain and hometown hero Lindsey Heaps be the star they need upon her return to the NWSL? - Angel City FC
Head coach Alexander Straus finally has a full offseason and preseason and with the additions of Emily Sams, Hina Sugita, and Taylor Suarez will be massive, but they need more…
Who is going to be scoring the goals? Riley Tiernan, Sveindís Jónsdóttir, and who else? Angel City still needs to prove that it’s more than flashy branding and endorsement deals. The team is certainly valuable, leading the NWSL with a recent valuation of $335 million—but if they want to be successful, they need to be climb the table in more than just valuation. - Houston Dash
Angela Hucles Mangano has continued to build the roster alongside head coach Fabrice Gautrat, and now with Twila Kilgore – former USWNT interim head coach, joining the club as technical director.
The club brought in some of the top young talent, but will that be enough? And will Houston ever live up to their potential? - Bay FC
Can Emma Coates take the young roster for a big leap in 2026? 20-year-old defensive midfielder and rising USWNT star Claire Hutton is a huge addition and possibly an impactful signing for the next decade. But if Bay FC wants to succeed, they’ll need to make big chances from their lackluster 13th place finish in 2025—where they scored just 26 goals all season, the fewest of any team. Who will step up? - Utah Royals
They’ve been unable to start off fast the past few seasons, before picking it up in the second half.
USWNT goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn will keep them in every game, but she’ll need help. Is this the year they can put it together? - Boston Legacy FC
Very solid start for Filipa Patão and Domè Guasch, but the roster just isn’t quite there yet. The club’s future is bright and just needs a bit more time. Legacy FC will play their first season at Gillette Stadium and at Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, before hopefully moving in Boston’s White Stadium in 2027. Will the club be able to bring home the titles that Boston teams have come to expect? - Chicago Stars
The Chicago Stars have struggled mightily over the years, finishing 12th or worse in two of the last three seasons. Over the offseason, they saw the departures of Ludmila and Ally Schlegel. Their front line and young stars may win them games with sheer talent, but is that enough to sustain an entire season?
