As temperatures drop, it’s a clear sign that Autumn is here—but not the end of the 2026 NWSL regular season. The competition is intensifying, with just one team out of the playoff race and the NWSL Shield still up for contention as only five matches remain.
This makes it an ideal moment to revisit the weekly NWSL Power Rankings. If you’re curious about your favorite team’s position, you can check out my previous rankings. Power rankings reflect not only the top contenders for the Shield but also squads striving to secure playoff spots.
Currently, the Denver Summit are just outside the playoff zone in the standings, but anyone familiar with their recent performances wouldn’t dismiss them. Consequently, they saw a significant rise in the power rankings this week. This is the moment where even those on the fringe can prove their worth in the league.
The Colorado expansion team has made Centennial Stadium a formidable venue and is enjoying a five-game unbeaten streak heading into the concluding weeks of the season, demonstrating that their inaugural year doesn’t have to be solely about development. While they approach the playoff line, in the rankings, they’re positioned among the top half, largely due to the standout performances of defender Janine Sonis.
The Canadian international received a recent call-up for the October national team window, showcasing one of her best seasons at the club level. With 15 contributions—11 goals and four assists—she’s moved into the spotlight for team scouts and ranks among the top five in the Golden Boot race.
It’s impressive to see an outside back contributing offensively like that, and she’s taking full advantage of her role under manager Nick Cushing. However, just as in the league standings, the power rankings are ever-changing, and only the final weeks will tell if Denver’s rise is meaningful or simply too late.
Denver isn’t alone in finding its momentum at this critical juncture; Angel City FC is also performing above expectations in both the rankings and league standings. Some crucial plays by Taylor Suarez off the bench during a busy week indicate that they might be hitting their stride at just the right moment.
With their current form, Angel City is pushing hard for a playoff berth while simultaneously complicating matters for other teams in the vicinity. They’re proving to be a challenging opponent, keeping everyone on their toes.
Now, let’s take a look at the latest power rankings:
Biggest Movers
2
Angel City FC
2
Utah Royals FC
Rk | Teams | Chg | Rcrd | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 
| Gotham is edging closer to the NWSL Shield and continues to show impressive consistency. Tierna Davidson’s defensive skills are earning her accolades as she builds her resume for Defender of the Year, while rookie Jordynn Dudley has been a valuable contributor in front of goal. | — | 15-4 |
2 | 
| The Spirit seem to be regaining their form after a rough patch. Trinity Rodman is scoring frequently, posing a significant threat to opposing defenses as they head into the postseason. | 1 | 14-7 |
3 | 
| If the Thorns’ attack is finding its rhythm during this playoff race, it could pose a serious challenge to their opponents. With Morgan Weaver’s long-range goals and Sophia Wilson’s consistent performance, the Thorns are beginning to resemble true contenders. | 1 | 12-7 |
4 | 
| Utah’s inconsistent performance raises some concerns as they build towards the playoffs; while they’re on the verge of a historic run, they need to maintain reliability and consistency. | 2 | 13-9 |
5 | 
| The Wave continue to impress as a formidable opponent. I’m eager to see them dominate teams struggling as the season winds down. | — | 14-8 |
6 | 
| Ashley Sanchez remains a phenomenal scorer, yet North Carolina faces challenges against stronger teams. It will be crucial for them to improve to climb higher in the rankings. | — | 12-10 |
7 | 
| Angel City has made an impressive leap in the rankings after a successful multi-match week. Now, they’ll face their biggest challenges yet as they strive to prove their worth against top contenders. | 2 | 11-8 |
8 | 
| Denver’s positive momentum is coming at a crucial point in the season, propelling them up the power rankings. They still have their work cut out to achieve playoff success in their first year. | 2 | 9-8 |
9 | 
| As the season’s most exciting phase unfolds, Seattle needs to demonstrate a greater sense of urgency. Their recent performances have shown a drop in form, reflected in their rankings. | 2 | 11-10 |
10 | 
| It seems that Kansas City needs a series of fortunate events for success. With ongoing player injuries and coaching uncertainties, the team struggles to find their footing. | 2 | 11-9 |
11 | 
| Orlando is struggling as the season comes to an end, but their ranking hasn’t dropped significantly, partly thanks to Barbra Banda and the struggles of other teams. | — | 9-13 |
12 | 
| A recent change in head coaching has led to a much-needed boost for the Houston Dash, resulting in an improved performance and a slight rise in the rankings. | 1 | 8-12 |
13 | 
| Sometimes, it’s the small victories that count, like outshining a lower-ranked team and seeing improvements in individual players, such as Alex Pfeiffer’s recent performance. | 1 | 7-13 |
14 | 
| Although Boston Legacy is nearing elimination, there’s still an opportunity for them to play the role of spoilers for other teams. | 2 | 7-13 |
15 | 
| As attention shifts towards 2027, with Vlatko Andonovski as Chief Soccer Officer, it’s crucial that they don’t overlook the remaining games which may affect their current rankings. | — | 5-18 |
16 | 
| Lately, Racing Louisville has struggled without any notable performances, making their situation precarious both on and off the field amidst rumors of relocation. | — | 7-16 |
Soccer fans should take note of these developments as they illustrate the league’s evolving landscape. With playoff positions still uncertain, every match counts, which makes the upcoming weeks crucial for teams vying for glory and fans eager for intense competition.
Source: www.cbssports.com
