By editor 
The 2026 World Cup: A Catalyst for U.S. Soccer and the NWSL
The 2026 World Cup, a landmark event co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to redefine the soccer landscape in North America. With 48 teams competing from June 11 to July 19, 2026, this tournament will be the largest in FIFA history. The implications for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the broader soccer community in the U.S. are profound, presenting both opportunities and challenges.
Strategic Positioning of the NWSL
Under the leadership of Commissioner Jessica Berman, the NWSL is strategically aligning itself to harness the increased attention and enthusiasm that the 2026 World Cup will bring. Berman has emphasized the league’s commitment to maintaining its regular-season schedule during the World Cup, ensuring that women’s soccer remains visible and relevant.
Leveraging the Global Spotlight
The NWSL’s decision to keep its regular-season games on schedule during the World Cup is a strategic move with multiple benefits:
– Enhanced Visibility: The World Cup will draw a massive global audience, providing the NWSL with an opportunity to tap into this heightened interest. By playing concurrently, the league can attract new fans to women’s soccer, leveraging the international spotlight to boost its profile.
– Market Expansion: With 11 of the 16 host cities in the U.S., the NWSL has a unique chance to expand its reach. Currently, only one NWSL team, Seattle’s Reign FC, is based in a World Cup host city. However, with the addition of Boston Legacy FC and other expansion teams, seven NWSL teams will be in host cities by 2026, allowing the league to capitalize on local excitement and engagement.
– Youth Engagement: The World Cup’s thrill can inspire a new generation of soccer players. The NWSL can engage young fans by offering them a local, women’s soccer experience that complements the international spectacle, fostering a lifelong love for the sport.
Anticipated Growth of Soccer in the U.S.
Jessica Berman has predicted “explosive growth” in soccer interest over the next four to six years, driven by the 2026 World Cup and the potential hosting of the 2027 Women’s World Cup. This growth is expected to manifest in several impactful ways:
Increased Participation
The World Cup’s success could lead to a surge in youth soccer participation. As more children are drawn to the sport, the demand for local soccer programs and leagues will likely increase. This growth can benefit the NWSL by creating a larger talent pool and a more engaged fan base, ensuring the league’s long-term sustainability and success.
Infrastructure Development
Hosting the World Cup requires significant investment in soccer infrastructure, including stadiums, training facilities, and youth academies. These investments can have a lasting impact on the sport’s development in the U.S., providing better resources for players and fans alike, and fostering a more competitive and vibrant soccer ecosystem.
Commercial Opportunities
The World Cup presents commercial opportunities for the NWSL and other soccer stakeholders. Increased sponsorship, broadcasting deals, and merchandise sales can generate revenue, helping to grow the league’s financial stability and competitiveness. These opportunities can also attract more investment in women’s soccer, elevating the overall quality and visibility of the sport.
Challenges and Considerations
While the 2026 World Cup presents numerous opportunities, it also poses challenges for the NWSL. The league must navigate several considerations to ensure its success:
Scheduling Conflicts
Playing during the World Cup could lead to scheduling conflicts, with some fans and players potentially prioritizing the international tournament. The NWSL must find ways to mitigate these conflicts, such as scheduling games on non-traditional days or offering flexible ticketing options, to ensure that fans and players remain engaged with the league.
Resource Allocation
The World Cup will demand significant resources, including stadiums, media attention, and fan engagement. The NWSL must ensure it can compete for these resources, even as the World Cup takes center stage. This may involve innovative marketing strategies, partnerships, and leveraging the league’s unique strengths to maintain its visibility and relevance.
Maintaining Momentum
The NWSL must maintain its momentum and growth trajectory during the World Cup. This involves continuing to invest in player development, fan engagement, and league infrastructure, even as the World Cup captures the nation’s attention. By doing so, the NWSL can ensure that it continues to grow and thrive, both during and after the World Cup.
The Road Ahead
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the NWSL has a unique opportunity to leverage the tournament’s excitement and growth to elevate the women’s game. By strategically positioning itself, the league can capitalize on the increased interest, expand its reach, and inspire a new generation of soccer fans.
A Vision for the Future
The NWSL’s plans to continue its regular-season schedule during the World Cup demonstrate a forward-thinking approach. By doing so, the league can maintain its visibility, engage new fans, and continue to grow. This strategy aligns with the broader vision of fostering soccer’s development in the U.S., creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for the sport.
Conclusion: Embracing the Opportunity
The 2026 World Cup is more than just a sporting event; it is a catalyst for growth and change in U.S. soccer. For the NWSL, it represents an opportunity to elevate the women’s game, engage new fans, and inspire the next generation of players. By embracing this opportunity and navigating the challenges that come with it, the NWSL can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of soccer in the United States. The road ahead is filled with promise, and the NWSL is well-positioned to lead the way.