As the longest NWSL season ever begins, defending champions are unexpectedly struggling while emerging teams quickly climb the shifting power rankings.
The longest season in National Women's Soccer League history is underway, but several heavyweights are already raising concerns with sluggish starts. The reigning NWSL Shield holders, the Kansas City Current, have struggled to find their form in the opening matches. Meanwhile, NJ/NY Gotham FC—the defending NWSL Championship winners—are experiencing a severe offensive drought, having failed to score a single goal across their first three fixtures.
Joining the ranks of underperforming top-tier squads is the Washington Spirit. Despite entering the campaign as the 2025 Challenge Cup champions and two-time league runners-up, the club remains winless through its first four games of the year.
As traditional powerhouses falter, the league's power rankings are experiencing significant early-season shifts. Several clubs are capitalizing on the stumbles of recent champions to establish their own dominance. The teams currently delivering strong performances and moving up the ranks include:
Additionally, both Angel City FC and the Orlando Pride are successfully commanding attention as they navigate the shifting competitive landscape.
