As the NWSL prepares for another season, things will be different with the schedule and layout. Due to the Men's World Cup this season, the NWSL and league office have decided to be accommodating to the men's tournament.
The main reason being that the World Cup will be hosted by North America and the NWSL is working hard to make sure that soccer stadium demands are met in the United States.
Seven of 16 cities will be hosting events for the World Cup in 2026
The season footprint was released a few weeks ago, and it appears they are working to avoid any conflicts with the Men's World Cup taking place around the same time of the season.
The league in the past has accommodated the Women's World Cup to give their players who perform for their respective countries. Also, the CBA requires a break for players during the season.
This is the first time the NWSL, or any women's soccer league has been in existence while North America hosted the men's honored tournament. 1994 was the last time that the continent hosted the Cup.
The first women's pro soccer league started in 2001, seven years after the World Cup
Now the NWSL is well established and has venues that would welcome a men's game being played during the tournament. The league should be a strong partner for FIFA to work with throughout the tournament, and has many ambassadors to the women's game who could help promote the event.
The fact that the NWSL is also working on accommodating FIFA during the World Cup should also benefit the ratings for the tournament in the United States. The NWSL and women's game have a proven popularity within the United States, and not having to compete for attention should benefit the World Cup overall.
In terms of the Women's National Team, it should be noted that despite not having an established league in 1994 when the men last hosted, they were successful. They had already won their first World Cup in 1991. They've added three more since, while the men have never even made a final.
It is an exciting time for North America and a way for the continent to show its brand of soccer worldwide. The women's game can also promote itself and having a league work with FIFA and prove their worth on a global men's stage will be a shining moment.