As the 2026 NWSL regular season progresses, ESPN has released its latest Power Rankings following Matchday 10. With all 16 teams now under scrutiny, we analyze their performances to see who is poised for ascendance and who may be facing a downturn.
Top Performers This Week
Previous ranking: 1
Next Game: Chicago Stars, July 5th at 5pm ET
The Royals displayed significant control over the match against Portland, leading for a substantial portion of the second half before concluding the game in a 2-2 tie at Providence Park. After a shaky start, Kiana Palacios equalized for Utah, followed by a goal from Mina Tanaka and Chloe Lacasse in the 49th minute, ending Portland’s seven-game home shutout streak. Despite stretching their undefeated run to 10 matches, the Royals experienced mixed emotions, especially after goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn committed an eight-second violation that led to a corner kick for the Thorns, followed by a costly penalty conceded during stoppage time.
Previous ranking: 2
Next Game: vs. Houston Dash, July 3rd at 8pm ET
The Spirit bounced back from their recent Concacaf W Champions Cup final defeat by defeating Seattle 2-1 at home, marking their sixth victory in seven league matches. Lacey Santos opened the scoring with a stunning long-range free kick, although Lucia Di Guglielmo’s own goal later in the first half tied the game momentarily. The Spirit regained control in the second half, with Hal Hirschfeld pushing through the Seattle defense to score the winning goal while the team effectively limited Seattle’s offense to just two shots on target.
Previous ranking: 3
Next Game: San Diego Wave, July 4th at 8:45pm ET
Gotham secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Houston, thanks to a remarkable goal from Jordyn Dudley. A perfectly lofted pass from center back Tianna Davidson set the stage for Dudley’s strike, emphasizing Gotham’s tactical dominance with 60% possession and 15 shots in the opponent’s box. Nevertheless, Gotham managed only 0.89 expected goals, demonstrating the challenges in converting chances despite building pressure. Their defense has been exceptionally tight, allowing just six shots against the Dash throughout the match.
Previous ranking: 5
Next Game: vs. Gotham FC, July 4th at 8:45pm ET
Potential Shift in the Standings
Previous ranking: 6
Next Game: Denver Summit, July 3rd at 9:30pm ET
Kansas City’s impressive streak continued with a 1-0 home win against Boston, highlighted by Temwa Chawinga’s 68th-minute goal. Chawinga’s strike not only marked his seventh goal in five games but also extended the Current’s remarkable home unbeaten run to a league-record 23 matches. Even with an early injury to starting defender Kayla Sharples, Kansas City showcased resilience, recording their tenth consecutive home victory and achieving a third shutout this season.
Previous ranking: 4
Next Game: vs. Racing Louisville, July 5th at 7pm ET
The Courage capped off their week with a 2-1 triumph over Angel City at BMO Stadium. A dynamic second-half performance saw midfielder Ashley Sanchez lead the charge, setting up key plays that resulted in both of North Carolina’s goals. Sanchez’s influence was felt throughout the match, demonstrating that when she is in form, the Courage’s offense becomes formidable.
