London City Lionesses will kick off the 2026-27 Women's Super League season at home against Manchester United on Friday 4 September, offering an early chance to see two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas in action. The Michelle Kang-owned side hosts United at Hayes Lane in the opening fixture of the expanded 14-team league.
The match is also expected to feature goalkeeper Mary Earps, who returns to the WSL with London City after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and will face her former club Manchester United.
Full Fixture List Released
The complete fixture calendar was announced following an extensive scheduling process. WSL Football ran over 1.5 billion scheduling iterations to coordinate with the Premier League, EFL, National League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Champions League calendars.
Champions Manchester City begin their title defence against Birmingham, who were promoted as WSL2 champions. Manchester City have added former Arsenal forward Beth Mead and Chelsea defender Niamh Charles. Birmingham were promoted alongside Charlton and Crystal Palace as part of the league's expansion.
Arsenal start their campaign away to 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.
Other Opening Weekend Matches
Charlton, who secured promotion via a playoff win over Leicester, host Liverpool. Tottenham welcome West Ham, Chelsea entertain Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge, and Crystal Palace face Everton in their top-flight return.
WSL2 Fixtures
Watford host Burnley at Vicarage Road to start the second-tier campaign. Bristol City, who narrowly missed promotion, face Sunderland. Other matches include Durham against Southampton, Ipswich versus Nottingham Forest, Newcastle hosting Wolves, and Sheffield United taking on relegated Leicester City.
New Promotion and Relegation Rules
Following the transitional 2025-26 season, new rules apply between the top two divisions. The WSL2 champion will replace the WSL's bottom team. The second- and third-placed WSL2 sides will playoff for the right to face the 13th-placed WSL side for a top-flight place.
