It’s Tuesday, and the 2026 NWSL regular season has officially kicked off, signaling the arrival of ESPN’s Power Rankings.
Which teams are poised to rise in the standings? Which ones face a potential drop? Our analysts examined the events from Matchday 1 to compile this week’s rankings for all 16 teams in the league. Let’s jump in.
Next match: Friday vs. Seattle Reign, 10 p.m. ET
Portland traveled to Washington, D.C., and kicked off their season with a pair of victories. Notably, Sophia Wilson has returned from maternity leave, making her first appearance since November 2024 as a substitute in the 77th minute of a 1-0 win. Earlier, 20-year-old Olivia Moultrie netted the winning goal with a composed left-footed shot in the 52nd minute. With multiple goalkeepers sidelined (Bella Bixby due to injury and Mackenzie Arnold on international duty), Morgan Messner preserved a clean sheet thanks to strong defensive support.
Next match: Friday at Portland Thorns, 10 p.m. ET
In a stellar performance that defied her age, 39-year-old veteran Jess Fishlock scored for Seattle during their 2-1 win over Orlando. After a lengthy weather delay, the Reign initially fell behind to a goal from former league MVP Barbra Banda, but Brittany Ratcliffe struck back with a goal off the bench to clinch the win. While goal scorers often gain the spotlight, U.S. women’s national team goalkeeper Claudia Dickey was crucial, making seven key saves during her 41st consecutive start for Seattle on Sunday.
Next match: Saturday vs. North Carolina Courage, 6:30 p.m. ET
The reigning champions are equipped to dominate again this season, despite needing a 55th-minute goal from Spain striker Esther González (who came off the bench) to secure a 1-0 victory against Boston Legacy. With Tierna Davidson returning to the game-day roster and Norway’s six-time Women’s Super League winner, Guro Reiten, arriving from Chelsea, this two-time champion seems set to become even more formidable as the season progresses.
Next match: Sunday at Chicago Stars, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (stream live on ESPN)
In a Kansas City squad adjusting to new manager Chris Armas, two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga was notably absent due to a hip injury. The Current struggled initially against Utah, conceding the first goal before rallying in the second half to clinch a 2-1 victory with goals from newly signed midfielder Croix Bethune (on her birthday) and former Royal Ally Sentnor.
Next match: Saturday at Bay FC, 8:45 p.m. ET
Twenty-one-year-old defender Savy King, who previously collapsed on the field due to a heart condition in 2025, made a triumphant return in Angel City’s 4-0 victory, showcasing an impressive performance with a goal from 19-year-old Kennedy Fuller as well as a debut goal and assist from Brazilian midfielder Ary Borges.
Next match: Saturday vs. Angel City, 8:45 p.m. ET
In her first game for Bay FC, 18-year-old Alex Pfeiffer, who joined Kansas City at 15, excelled by scoring the home team’s opening goal and assisting on the second in a 2-1 win over Denver. Bay maintained dominance throughout the match even after the Summit went down to 10 players in the 27th minute, and they will undoubtedly welcome this positive start as they aim for a playoff return in their third league year.
Next match: Saturday at Gotham FC, 6:30 p.m. ET
North Carolina is off to a solid start under new Lebanese Swedish manager Mak Lind. Lind promised more goals in 2026, and Ashley Sanchez delivered with a goal in each half for a 2-1 victory over Louisville, in front of a record crowd for a home opener. Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan made her Courage debut with four saves. While it’s tough to replace Denise O’Sullivan, who had nine successful seasons with the Courage, Carly Wickenheiser impressed on her NWSL debut, partnering with Riley Jackson to form a strong midfield that limited Racing’s effectiveness in central areas.
Next match: Friday at Racing Louisville, 8 p.m. ET
The Spirit struggled to convert chances during a 1-0 home defeat against Portland, managing only one shot on target despite having 62% possession and taking 13 shots overall. The lone attempt came in the 51st minute, coming from Trinity Rodman, who was held in check by a strong Portland defense on her opening day start.
Next match: Friday vs. Denver Summit, 8 p.m. ET
After a lengthy weather delay, Barbra Banda revitalized the 2024 NWSL Champions with a tying goal during their home opener, but a goal from Brittany Ratcliffe shortly after gave Seattle the 2-1 win. The Pride’s aggressive game yielded 23 shots, but they could only convert eight on target, while Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey stepped up to fend them off.
Next match: Saturday vs. Boston Legacy, 4 p.m. ET
In her debut for Houston, Makenzy Robbe (née Doniak) netted the decisive goal against her former club, San Diego, making her the first player to score on her regular-season debut versus her previous team. However, Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell deserves significant credit, making nine saves to ensure a 1-0 victory, despite the Dash being outshot nine to two on target.
Next match: Saturday at Houston Dash, 4 p.m. ET
The Legacy made history with a crowd of 30,207 at Gillette Stadium for their NWSL debut, setting a record for inaugural home opener attendance. While they lost 1-0 to Gotham, this milestone is a cause for celebration. Boston’s defeat came despite three saves from Casey Murphy and a goal conceded to Esther González in the 55th minute.
Next match: Sunday vs. San Diego Wave, 7 p.m. ET
The Royals added Tatumn Milazzo to strengthen their defense, but she ended up scoring their first goal of the season in a dominant first half against Kansas City. Unfortunately for Utah, the Current responded with fierce intensity in the second half — taking 15 shots compared to just three in the first half — resulting in a 2-1 victory for the Royals.
Next match: Friday vs. Washington Spirit, 8 p.m. ET
Louisville showcased its pressing style effectively, as U.S. WNT winger Emma Sears contributed to the build-up and assisted Sarah Weber‘s lone goal in a 2-1 loss to North Carolina. It was a closely matched game, with both teams registering five shots on target and alternating phases of control; however, the Courage capitalized on their chances more effectively. Racing will return home next weekend to host Washington, who they lost to on penalties in last year’s postseason, marking the first playoff game in the club’s history.
Next match: Friday at Orlando Pride, 8 p.m. ET
Colorado-born Janine Sonis (née Beckie) made significant contributions during the Denver debutante’s match. In the 20th minute against Bay FC, Sonis recorded the first assist in Summit history, setting up Germany striker Melissa Kössler for their goal. Shortly afterward, she collected their first red card. Despite being down to 10 players, the Summit could not hold onto a 1-1 draw, ultimately succumbing to a 2-1 defeat, but signs of improvement bode well for the upcoming season.
Next match: Sunday at Utah Royals, 7 p.m. ET
Opening the season with a home loss is always disappointing, especially a defeat marked by a goal from former player Makenzy Robbe. Jane Campbell‘s nine saves were instrumental in Houston’s 1-0 victory, but San Diego can find optimism moving forward. Players like Brazilian forward Ludmila (who contributed three of their nine shots on target) and her fellow Brazilian teammate, recent NWSL champion Gabi Portilho, have the potential to add flair to the attack, although it may take time to build team chemistry given the recent roster changes.
Next match: Sunday vs. Kansas City Current, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN2 (stream live on ESPN)
Angel City delivered a stunning second-half performance against Chicago, resulting in a 4-0 defeat for the Stars. Despite a competitive first half, Chicago conceded three goals in the second half and were grateful the final score wasn’t even more lopsided.