It’s Tuesday and the 2026 NWSL regular season is in full swing, which means it’s time for ESPN’s latest Power Rankings.
Which teams are poised to rise in the rankings? Which ones are facing a potential drop? Our analysts have reviewed the events of Matchday 3 to establish this week’s rankings for all 16 teams in the league. Let’s break it down.
Previous ranking: 1
Next match: Saturday at North Carolina Courage, 6:30 p.m. ET
After a disappointing midweek loss, there’s no better way for Portland to respond than with a commanding victory. In a 2-0 win against Kansas City on Saturday, Sophia Wilson, making her return from maternity leave, had a strong outing, winning a penalty that led to the first goal. Despite not scoring, her presence was felt on both sides of the ball, indicating that this team is a serious contender.
Previous ranking: 2
Next match: Friday at Orlando Pride, 8 p.m. ET
Angel City has made it three wins from three matches. Despite a slow start against the Dash on Friday, they emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, thanks to an impressive second-half performance. Striker Sveindís Jónsdóttir netted the game-winner, continuing her impressive form in her first full NWSL season. As their schedule toughens, Angel City has performed commendably so far.
Previous ranking: 12
Next match: Friday at Boston Legacy, 7 p.m. ET
San Diego secured a commanding 2-0 win over Chicago on Saturday, allowing only two shots, neither from within the box. The Wave showcased dominant control throughout the match, highlighted by a stunning goal from teenage substitute Melanie Barcenas. With a three-game winning streak and the addition of Catarina Macario, there’s plenty of optimism surrounding San Diego.
Previous ranking: 7
Next match: Saturday vs. Denver Summit, 8:45 p.m. ET
Seattle has begun the 2026 season with one major question looming: could they find the back of the net given their lack of attacking depth? With five goals in their last two matches, early indications suggest they can. In Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Louisville, the Reign’s attack came to life, including a clever strike from Nérilia Mondésir. The victories keep rolling in for Seattle.
Previous ranking: 8
Next match: Sunday vs. Washington Spirit, 5 p.m. ET (stream live on ESPN)
One of the standout stories of the season so far is the emergence of teenager Alex Pfeiffer on the wing for Bay FC. The 18-year-old scored and assisted in a 3-1 victory against North Carolina, registering four non-penalty goal contributions in just three games. Pfeiffer has become an impressive breakout star, and there’s more to come from her and Bay.
Previous ranking: 4
Next match: Friday vs. Racing Louisville, 8:30 p.m. ET
Although the Dash lost 2-1 to Angel City last Friday, there were bright spots for Fabrice Gautrat’s team, especially as they outshot their opponents in the first half. Star right back Avery Patterson opened the scoring with a fantastic cross found by Maggie Graham. However, the Dash struggled in the second half, conceding two goals and leaving empty-handed.
Previous ranking: 14
Next match: Friday vs. Angel City, 8 p.m. ET
Orlando didn’t control possession against Gotham on Sunday, opting instead to capitalize on mistakes. However, star player Barbra Banda was kept quiet in a 0-0 draw, reflecting both teams’ inability to break through defensively. Regardless, drawing away at Sports Illustrated Stadium is a decent outcome for Orlando.
Previous ranking: 3
Next match: Saturday at Kansas City Current, 4 p.m. ET
Gotham’s attack continues to struggle, having only scored once this season — the goal coming in the first game against Boston Legacy. Following a lackluster performance against Orlando where they registered less than an expected goal, it’s clear that Juan Carlos Amorós’ team needs to rethink its strategy moving forward.
Previous ranking: 5
Next match: Saturday vs. Portland Thorns, 6:30 p.m. ET
North Carolina’s new possession-heavy system under Mak Lind hasn’t taken off yet, resulting in turnovers and a disappointing 3-1 loss against Bay FC on Saturday. After conceding three goals in the first half, the Courage’s learning curve in adapting to the new tactics has cost them dearly.
Previous ranking: 11
Next match: Saturday at Seattle Reign, 8:45 p.m. ET
At Mile High Stadium, the spectacle in the stands took precedence over the action on the pitch. With a record crowd of 63,004 fans, the Denver Summit’s inaugural home game highlighted women’s soccer’s potential in the U.S. While they missed out on a win against Washington in a 0-0 draw, earning a point is still valuable in this historic outing.
Previous ranking: 9
Next match: Sunday at Bay FC, 5 p.m. ET (stream live on ESPN)
It’s hard to believe that the Washington Spirit have not won in their first four games. Their draw against Denver was more notable for the record crowd than the play on the field, and their attacking unit has struggled, tallying only two shots in the box. With so much talent in their roster, fans are left hoping the Spirit can find their rhythm soon.
Previous ranking: 10
Next match: Friday at Houston Dash, 8:30 p.m. ET
Racing Louisville faced difficulties after giving up a goal due to a mistake by goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer in their 2-1 loss to Seattle. They attempted a comeback late in the game but ultimately could not recover, leaving them winless through their opening three matches.
Previous ranking: 6
Next match: Saturday vs. Gotham FC, 4 p.m. ET
After a promising first win over Utah, Kansas City Current has now faced three consecutive losses to Chicago, Seattle, and most recently, Portland. Their 2-0 loss to the Thorns was particularly one-sided, with the Current struggling to maintain possession and posing little threat. They urgently need the return of Temwa Chawinga.
Previous ranking: 15
Next match: Friday vs. Chicago Stars, 9 p.m. ET
Utah may not have played the most attractive match against Boston, but they secured a crucial 2-1 victory, with goals coming from set pieces. This win marks their first of the season, although they must work on their overall gameplay moving forward.
Previous ranking: 16
Next match: Friday vs. San Diego Wave, 7 p.m. ET
On a positive note, Boston recorded their first goal in club history thanks to Aissata Traore. The striker narrowed Utah’s lead with a well-placed shot, but the team ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 at Gillette Stadium. The quest for their first point continues for this expansion team.
Previous ranking: 13
Next match: Friday at Utah Royals, 9 p.m. ET
The Chicago Stars are in trouble, having been shut out in three of their four matches this season. They managed just two shots in their recent 2-0 loss to San Diego and failed to generate any real attacking threat. If things don’t change soon, the team’s hopes may rest too much on Mallory Swanson and her uncertain return timeline.