The competition for supremacy in the NWSL is heating up as the 2026 regular season approaches its conclusion, and teams are running short on opportunities to assert their intentions for the season’s final stretch.
This is an ideal moment to unveil my NWSL Power Rankings. If you’re eager to see where your favorite club stands, check out my earlier rankings.
This time of year is exhilarating, with each team holding approximately eight matches left to play and exciting matchups likely to set the tone for the playoffs every weekend ahead.
In their recent clash, the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns provided a preview of potential playoff action and reignited debates about handball calls. The Spirit’s new signings are adjusting well, while Portland continues to depend heavily on individual standout Sophia Wilson, even with Pietra Tordin adding some threat to their attack.
For the first time in years, a genuine race for the NWSL Shield is underway, marking what could be the most competitive battle for the title in the league’s history with several clubs in contention. Despite struggling on the road, Gotham FC leads in both the league shield chase and my rankings. As is often the case, strong teams can have off weeks, while others bounce back to maintain a respectable position—looking at you, Denver.
<p>After changing coaches, the <span>Orlando Pride</span> delivered an impressive performance against Houston. <span>Barbra Banda</span> has rediscovered her scoring touch, and interim head coach <span>Yolanda Thomas</span> made history as the first Black woman to achieve an NWSL regular-season victory from the sidelines.</p>
<p>However, not every administrative shake-up yields positive results. <span>Chicago Stars FC</span> continue to face challenges, and attention now turns to <span>Kansas City Current</span> following a swift departure of Sporting Director Vlatko Andonovski, a local soccer legend. The club's announcement noted that his transition from coach to an executive role "was not the right fit" but offered no acknowledgment of his past efforts to elevate the team from the bottom to playoff contenders, though many players took to social media to express their gratitude for his contributions.</p>
<p>Now, let's dive into the latest rankings:</p>
<div class="power-rankings"><p>
Biggest Movers
</p>
<div class="biggest-movers-teams"><p><span class="team-movers-logo " style="background-image: url(https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/light/26632013.svg)"/><span class="moving-up"/><span class="score">
3
</span><span class="team">
Washington Spirit
</span></p><p><span class="team-movers-logo " style="background-image: url(https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/light/27012870.svg)"/><span class="moving-down"/><span class="score">
2
</span><span class="team">
San Diego Wave FC
</span></p></div><div class="table-wrapper"><table class="table-power-rankings"><thead><tr><th class="cell-left"><p>Rk</p></th><th class="cell-left"><p>Teams</p></th><th class="cell-left">
</th><th class="cell-left"><p>Chg</p></th><th class="cell-right"><p>Rcrd</p></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
1
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/26632012.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
NJ/NY Gotham FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Losing Rose Lavelle for an indefinite period due to a head injury significantly impacts the team, despite their overall talent. Head coach Juan Carlos Amoros is back and must now navigate the team's fluctuating performance.
</td><td class="cell-left ">
--
</td><td class="cell-right">
13-4
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
2
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/26632013.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Washington Spirit
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
The Spirit are revitalized, demonstrating that an unusual performance against a playoff-caliber team can showcase their potential. They endured a challenging away game and made critical adjustments to capture their first-ever win in Portland.
</td><td class="cell-left change-up">
3
</td><td class="cell-right">
13-6
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
3
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/26632017.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Portland Thorns
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
The Thorns are banking on their struggles this season to foster growth; with Reilyn Turner and Morgan Weaver back in the mix, building chemistry with Pietra Tordin could prove beneficial.
</td><td class="cell-left change-down">
1
</td><td class="cell-right">
11-7
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
4
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/29303699.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Utah Royals FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Who says top teams can't be streaky? Utah experiences highs in chaotic matches against rivals but falters against weaker teams; perhaps newly signed Jameese Joseph will bring a fresh spark.
</td><td class="cell-left change-down">
1
</td><td class="cell-right">
12-8
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
5
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/26632015.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
North Carolina Courage
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Ashley Sanchez is making it tough for opponents to contain her, and even if they figure her out, they still have to handle Evelyn Ijeh, ensuring the team continues to rise in the ranks.
</td><td class="cell-left change-up">
3
</td><td class="cell-right">
12-8
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
6
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/27012870.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
San Diego Wave FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
The return of Kenza Dali adds depth, but the Wave’s young attacking lineup is still finding its footing against organized and experienced defenses.
</td><td class="cell-left change-down">
2
</td><td class="cell-right">
12-8
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
7
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/26632020.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Kansas City Current
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Concerns grow as the Current struggle to perform against weaker teams. Fortunately, they have Croix Bethune, whose talent this season could be the game-changer they need.
</td><td class="cell-left change-down">
1
</td><td class="cell-right">
11-8
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
8
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/50000094.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Seattle Reign
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
There are growing concerns after goalkeeper Claudia Dickey left the field with a severe head injury; she's one of the team's key players alongside top goal-scorer Maddie Mercado.
</td><td class="cell-left change-down">
1
</td><td class="cell-right">
10-8
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
9
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/50000095.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Denver Summit FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Denver made a bold statement against the league's top team, emerging as a formidable presence. Ayo Oke's playmaking abilities may not be recognized for long, but they’re crucial to the club's success.
</td><td class="cell-left ">
--
</td><td class="cell-right">
8-8
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
10
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/27012846.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Angel City FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Strong teams get results against both lower and higher-ranked teams. Angel City has made progress but still struggles against rivals ahead of them in the standings.
</td><td class="cell-left ">
--
</td><td class="cell-right">
9-8
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
11
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/26632014.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Orlando Pride
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Barbra Banda is still in the running for the Golden Boot, but the Pride need significant improvement to rise within the rankings.
</td><td class="cell-left change-up">
1
</td><td class="cell-right">
9-12
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
12
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/27012819.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Houston Dash
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
The Dash continue to slip in the rankings with few signs of revival, and it may be necessary to give more playing time to rookies to foster cohesiveness.
</td><td class="cell-left change-down">
1
</td><td class="cell-right">
7-11
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
13
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/29303698.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Bay FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
It's a mixed blessing that the club's goalkeeper is having a standout season, as other areas of the team struggle to find form.
</td><td class="cell-left ">
--
</td><td class="cell-right">
6-12
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
14
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/50000094.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Boston Legacy FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Consistent improvement from the squad emerged after a challenging phase, but they've likely dug themselves too deep to significantly rise in the standings.
</td><td class="cell-left change-up">
1
</td><td class="cell-right">
6-12
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
15
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/26632016.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Racing Louisville FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
The loss of Taylor Flint to injury has adversely affected the team's standings, contributing to their drop in the rankings.
</td><td class="cell-left change-down">
1
</td><td class="cell-right">
7-14
</td></tr><tr class="team-rankings-stats"><td class="cell-left"><span class="rank">
16
</span></td><td class="cell-left team"><div class="logo"><div class="TeamLogo TeamLogo--large"><figure class=" img"><img class="TeamLogo-image" alt="team logo" src="https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/26632011.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure></div></div><span class="team-name">
Chicago Stars FC
</span></td><td class="cell-left dek">
Those who thought Stars FC would struggle to concede six goals in a game were sorely mistaken; they're firmly situated at the bottom of the rankings this season.
</td><td class="cell-left ">
--
</td><td class="cell-right">
5-17
</td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>Fan Take: The intensifying competition in the NWSL adds a thrilling layer to the sport, as playoff aspirations become more tangible for many teams. For fans, this means watching not only skillful play but also the unfolding drama that could define the future of their favorite clubs.
Source: www.cbssports.com
