The Women's Super League (WSL) 2026-27 season will begin with London City Lionesses hosting Manchester United on Friday 4 September, offering an early glimpse of two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas in action for the big-spending club.
Opening Fixture Highlights
The match at Hayes Lane marks London City's first game since signing Putellas and goalkeeper Mary Earps, who returns to the WSL to face her former club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. The fixture list, released after extensive scheduling, saw WSL Football run over 1.5 billion iterations to coordinate with Premier League, EFL, FA Cup, and Champions League calendars.
Champions and Promoted Teams
WSL champions Manchester City, who added former Arsenal forward Beth Mead and Chelsea defender Niamh Charles, begin their title defence against WSL2 champions Birmingham. The top flight expands to 14 teams for the first time, with Charlton and Crystal Palace also promoted. Charlton earned promotion via a playoff win over Leicester, replacing the WSL's bottom-placed side.
Arsenal start against Brighton, who knocked them out of the FA Cup quarter-finals and later drew in the league, handing Manchester City their first title since 2016. Chelsea host Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, Tottenham face West Ham, and Crystal Palace meet Everton.
New Promotion and Relegation Rules
Following the 2025-26 transition season, new rules apply: the WSL2 winner replaces the WSL bottom team, while second and third in WSL2 playoff against the 13th-placed WSL team for a top-flight spot.
WSL2 Opening Fixtures
In WSL2, Watford host Burnley at Vicarage Road on Friday 4 September. Other week one matches include Durham vs Southampton, Ipswich vs Nottingham Forest, Newcastle vs Wolves, Sheffield United vs Leicester, and Sunderland vs Bristol City.
