The NWSL’s Strategic Vision for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is more than just a global sporting event; it’s a pivotal moment for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). With 11 of the 16 host cities located in the U.S., the NWSL is strategically positioned to leverage the global spotlight on soccer. Commissioner Jessica Berman has been vocal about the league’s plans to continue operations during the World Cup, signaling a bold move to capitalize on the anticipated “explosive growth” in soccer interest.

Leveraging the Global Spotlight

The NWSL’s decision to maintain its regular-season schedule during the 2026 World Cup is a strategic move that aligns with the league’s ambitions for growth and relevance. By keeping its games on the calendar, the NWSL aims to benefit from the increased attention on soccer, potentially attracting new fans and sponsors. This approach ensures that the women’s game maintains momentum and visibility, which is crucial for long-term sustainability and growth.

The global spotlight on soccer during the World Cup can serve as a catalyst for the NWSL’s growth. The increased media coverage and fan interest can shine a light on the women’s game, highlighting the talent and excitement that the NWSL has to offer. This visibility can translate into increased attendance, viewership, and sponsorship deals, all of which are vital for the league’s financial health and competitive standing.

Moreover, the NWSL’s decision to play during the World Cup sends a strong message about the league’s confidence and ambition. It demonstrates a commitment to the women’s game and a belief in its ability to thrive alongside the men’s game. This bold move can inspire fans, players, and stakeholders, fostering a sense of pride and excitement around the NWSL.

Logistical Challenges and Opportunities

However, the co-hosting of the Men’s World Cup also presents logistical challenges. The NWSL will need to navigate an increasingly crowded summer soccer calendar, with multiple high-profile tournaments and events vying for attention and resources. Commissioner Berman has acknowledged that the World Cup will “take over all of our buildings,” implying that the league will need to be creative and flexible in its scheduling and resource allocation.

Securing Training Grounds and Facilities

One of the key challenges will be securing training grounds and facilities. The World Cup will likely prioritize its needs, leaving the NWSL to compete for the remaining resources. The NWSL has four teams with training grounds in World Cup host cities, which could be a significant advantage. However, the league will need to work closely with local authorities and FIFA to ensure that its needs are also met.

The NWSL can explore alternative training grounds and facilities, such as local high schools, colleges, or community centers. The league can also consider renting or leasing facilities temporarily, ensuring that its teams have access to the resources they need to train and compete effectively. Additionally, the NWSL can leverage its partnerships and sponsorships to secure additional resources, such as equipment, transportation, and accommodation.

Navigating the Crowded Summer Calendar

The summer of 2026 will be a busy one for soccer fans, with multiple high-profile tournaments and events taking place. The NWSL will need to be strategic in its scheduling, ensuring that its games do not clash with major events and that fans have the opportunity to attend both NWSL and World Cup games.

The NWSL can consider adjusting its schedule, such as moving some games to earlier or later in the summer, or even playing some games on weekdays to avoid clashes with World Cup matches. The league can also explore the possibility of hosting doubleheaders or joint events with other leagues or tournaments, creating a unique and exciting experience for fans.

Expansion and Infrastructure Development

The NWSL is also in the midst of a significant expansion, with new teams set to join the league in the coming years. Boston Legacy FC will begin play as an expansion team in 2025, and Denver is set to join in 2026. The Denver team has already unveiled plans for a new 14,500-seated stadium, which is set for completion in 2028. This expansion is not just about increasing the number of teams; it’s about building a robust infrastructure that can support the league’s growth and competitiveness.

Building a Robust Infrastructure

The expansion of the NWSL is a testament to the league’s ambition and vision for the future. By adding new teams and building new infrastructure, the NWSL is creating a more competitive and exciting product for fans. The new teams and facilities will also provide more opportunities for players, coaches, and staff, fostering a vibrant and dynamic soccer ecosystem.

The NWSL can also explore the possibility of a second division, which would further deepen the talent pool and provide more opportunities for players. This move could also help the NWSL to better manage its resources and ensure that all teams have access to the facilities and support they need to succeed.

Developing Talent and Competitiveness

The expansion of the NWSL is not just about adding new teams; it’s about developing talent and competitiveness. The new teams and facilities will provide more opportunities for players to train, compete, and develop their skills. The NWSL can also invest in youth development programs, creating a pipeline of talented players who can feed into the league and represent the U.S. at the international level.

The NWSL can also leverage its partnerships and sponsorships to invest in player development, such as providing access to top coaches, training facilities, and medical support. The league can also explore the possibility of hosting international tournaments or friendly matches, providing players with the opportunity to compete against the best in the world.

The Path Forward

The NWSL’s plans to play during the 2026 World Cup are a testament to its ambition and resilience. By maintaining its schedule, the league is positioning itself to benefit from the global spotlight on soccer while also ensuring that the women’s game continues to grow and thrive. However, this path is not without its challenges. The NWSL will need to be strategic and flexible in its approach, working closely with local authorities and FIFA to navigate the logistical hurdles and make the most of the opportunities that the World Cup presents.

Strategic Planning and Flexibility

The NWSL will need to be strategic and flexible in its approach to the 2026 World Cup. The league will need to work closely with local authorities and FIFA to secure the resources and support it needs to operate effectively. The NWSL will also need to be creative and innovative in its scheduling, ensuring that its games do not clash with major events and that fans have the opportunity to attend both NWSL and World Cup games.

The NWSL can also leverage its partnerships and sponsorships to secure additional resources and support, such as equipment, transportation, and accommodation. The league can also explore the possibility of hosting joint events or doubleheaders with other leagues or tournaments, creating a unique and exciting experience for fans.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

The NWSL will need to work closely with local authorities, FIFA, and other stakeholders to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the 2026 World Cup. The league will need to engage with these stakeholders, building strong and collaborative relationships that can support its growth and success.

The NWSL can also leverage its partnerships and sponsorships to engage with fans, players, and communities, fostering a sense of pride and excitement around the league. The league can also explore the possibility of hosting community events or initiatives, such as youth soccer clinics or fan festivals, creating a vibrant and dynamic soccer ecosystem.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for the NWSL

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup represents a pivotal moment for the NWSL. The league’s decision to continue operations during the tournament is a bold move that underscores its commitment to growth and relevance. By leveraging the global spotlight on soccer, the NWSL has the opportunity to attract new fans, sponsors, and talent, further solidifying its position as a leading women’s soccer league. However, this path will require strategic planning, flexibility, and close collaboration with stakeholders. If executed successfully, the NWSL’s approach to the 2026 World Cup could set the stage for a new era of growth and success for women’s soccer in the United States. The NWSL stands at a crossroads, poised to capitalize on a historic opportunity. The choices made and the strategies implemented in the lead-up to and during the 2026 World Cup will shape the future of the league and women’s soccer in the U.S. for years to come. The world will be watching, and the NWSL has the chance to shine brightly on the global stage.