The 2026 NWSL regular season is in full swing, and it’s time for ESPN’s Power Rankings. With Matchday 7 behind us, our analysts have examined the performances of all 16 teams to update the standings. Which teams are on the rise, and which ones face the threat of slipping further down the rankings? Let’s take a closer look.
San Diego Wave Makes Strides
Finding themselves in third place, the Wave recently triumphed over their Southern California rivals, Angel City, with a score of 2-1. This victory marked a crucial turnaround for San Diego, who had suffered two consecutive losses prior to this match. Didi Halacic, the team’s goalkeeper, delivered a stellar performance, making several critical saves to maintain their lead. On the offensive side, Brazilian star Dudinha not only scored but also assisted on the opening goal, delivering a perfectly placed cross that led to Mimi Van Zanten’s header. The Wave appear to be back on track.
Washington Spirit Maintains Winning Streak
Despite a shaky performance, the Spirit managed to secure a 1-0 victory against the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field. The match was closely contested, with Washington struggling to create opportunities for much of the game. However, a late goal from Claudia Martinez propelled the Spirit to their fifth consecutive win, maintaining their status as the league’s longest active winning streak. With this latest victory, they have not lost since the season opener.
Portland Thorns Face Defensive Scrutiny
Once sitting at the top, the Thorns fell to fourth after suffering a 3-1 defeat against Racing Louisville. Portland initially took the lead with a goal from Sophia Wilson but faltered defensively, exhibiting disorganization that raised concerns about their backline. Although they currently lead the league in goals scored, strengthening their defense will be essential for maintaining competitiveness as the season progresses.
Gotham FC Holds Strong Defensively
Gotham FC earned a 1-1 draw against Boston Legacy in a match where they dominated possession, holding 60% of the ball. Jadyn Shaw’s timely equalizer showcased Gotham’s resilience, as they continue to excel defensively, previously holding opponents scoreless in six of their first nine matches. Despite allowing a goal, they restricted Boston’s offensive opportunities, a testament to their defensive solidity.
Utah Royals End Unbeaten Streak
After extending their unbeaten streak to seven games, Utah Royals faced a challenge in their scoreless draw with Bay FC. The Royals, who had been on a roll, were unable to capitalize on 61 passes into the attacking third. Outstanding performance from Bay FC’s goalkeeper was key in keeping Utah at bay, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a scoring edge in tight matches.
Houston Dash Struggles Continue
The Dash remain in a rough patch, suffering a significant 4-1 defeat against Denver. This extended Houston’s losing streak to four games. The team has struggled offensively, managing only a single goal during this stretch, and faced just 0.15 expected goals in their recent match against Summit. Prospects for an effective attacking strategy are becoming a pressing concern.
Kansas City Current Gains Momentum
In a standout performance, Kansas City Current snapped their winless streak with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Chicago Stars. Temwa Chawinga’s hat-trick, achieved within 30 minutes, brought excitement to a team that has been looking for stability. However, questions linger about whether they can replicate this success against stronger competition as the season progresses.
