The 2026 NWSL regular season appears to be a blend of intense rivalry and unpredictability every week, and with midweek matches approaching, teams will have little room for mistakes.
<p>After the matches on Wednesday, all teams will have played the same number of games. This means only a six-game difference will exist between those vying for the NWSL Shield, playoff spots, and clubs that are currently outside the playoff picture.</p>
<p>This is the perfect moment to revisit my weekly NWSL Power Rankings. If you’re curious about where your favorite team sits, you can check <span class="link">last week's rankings</span>. Strength isn’t exclusive to the top teams; those at the lower end are also making significant impacts.</p>
<p>This past weekend, <span>Chicago Stars FC</span> became the first team to be knocked out of the playoff race, but they did so in a noteworthy way. The Stars managed to earn a point against <span>Portland Thorns</span> in injury time, regaining some respect while contributing to the Thorns’ ongoing winless streak.</p>
<p><span>Boston Legacy</span> also played a role in creating uncertainty for clubs contesting the NWSL Shield. While <span>Washington Spirit</span> has created a fantastic home atmosphere at Audi Field, that only encourages rival teams to disrupt their momentum; <span>Amanda Gutierres</span> sealed the deal with two late goals, adding to <span>Aissata Traore's</span> decisive goal.</p>
<p>The gritty performances from both Boston and Chicago against teams vying for playoff berths showcase why the NWSL is arguably the most competitive league globally. It’s only fitting they have moved up in the rankings as Portland and Washington slip down.</p>
<p>Now, here are 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/29303699.svg)"/><span class="moving-up"/><span class="score">2</span><span class="team">Utah Royals FC</span></p>
<p><span class="team-movers-logo" style="background-image: url(https://sports.cbsimg.net/fly/images/team-logos/light/26632013.svg)"/><span class="moving-down"/><span class="score">1</span><span class="team">Washington Spirit</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">
With Rose Lavelle back, although limited in playing time, the talent on the roster ensures they can overcome challenges. Jaedyn Shaw remains a key striker, and Guro Reiten scored her first goal in the NWSL since joining in April.
</td>
<td class="cell-left">--</td>
<td class="cell-right">14-4</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/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">
Typically cautious of inconsistent teams, Utah has turned streakiness into a form of entertainment this August, with wild wins and losses.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-up">2</td>
<td class="cell-right">13-8</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/26632013.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure>
</div>
</div>
<span class="team-name">Washington Spirit</span>
</td>
<td class="cell-left dek">
With lineup changes, there will be adjustments. The return of Andi Sullivan from suspension is a boost, although they’ll miss Leicy Santos' contributions.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-down">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">13-7</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/26632017.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure>
</div>
</div>
<span class="team-name">Portland Thorns</span>
</td>
<td class="cell-left dek">
Great teams excel, especially against struggling opponents, yet the Thorns faltered this weekend and fall in the rankings.
</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">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/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">
Melanie Barcenas has been a consistent answer for Wave FC, making them a formidable opponent as they embrace unpredictability.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-up">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">13-8</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/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">
Facing tough games ahead is essential for North Carolina; despite Ashley Sanchez's standout performances, they struggle against key matches with playoff implications.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-down">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">12-9</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/26632018.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure>
</div>
</div>
<span class="team-name">Seattle Reign</span>
</td>
<td class="cell-left dek">
Seattle is steadily moving up the rankings, showcasing flexibility with a different star player emerging each week.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-up">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">11-9</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/27012820.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure>
</div>
</div>
<span class="team-name">Kansas City Current</span>
</td>
<td class="cell-left dek">
The coaching staff must quickly adapt if Croix Bethune's absence continues to be felt, as she has been pivotal this season.
</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">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/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">
Angel City finds themselves in a favorable position to make a move, albeit without much momentum.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-up">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">10-8</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/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 is facing a critical juncture in their season, especially after a disheartening loss that could affect their long-term prospects.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-down">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">8-8</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 could be the catalyst for Orlando Pride’s resurgence, with interim coach Yolanda Thomas steering the team toward positive results.
</td>
<td class="cell-left">--</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/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">
Boston’s impressive win against a title contender highlighted their potential, especially with Amanda Gutierres’ effectiveness and Aissata Traore's game-winning goal.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-up">2</td>
<td class="cell-right">7-12</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/26632019.svg" loading="lazy" width="40" height="40"/></figure>
</div>
</div>
<span class="team-name">Houston Dash</span>
</td>
<td class="cell-left dek">
The absence of their best player on international duty raises questions about the Dash’s direction, particularly following a coaching change.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-down">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">7-12</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/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 uncertain how much development players like Claire Hutton and others might gain from competing at the U20 World Cup compared to their current situation at Bay FC.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-down">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">6-13</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/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">
For Chicago, it’s the small victories that shine through, particularly with the spirited equalizer from Taylor Wood.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-up">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">5-17</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/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">
Racing Louisville seems to be at the bottom with little hope of improvement, raising speculation about their long-term future in the league.
</td>
<td class="cell-left change-down">1</td>
<td class="cell-right">7-15</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>Fan Take: The nearing conclusion of the season brings heightened stakes and excitement for NWSL supporters. The tense playoff race is not just about the trophy; it shapes the future of clubs and the sport within the league.
Source: www.cbssports.com
