League: NWSL Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

NWSL Challenge Cup kicks off with Gotham FC facing Kansas City Current

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 3:01 PM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

NWSL Challenge Cup kicks off with Gotham FC facing Kansas City Current

Summary

The NWSL Challenge Cup is set to begin on June 26, 2026, with Gotham FC taking on the Kansas City Current in Columbus, Ohio. This matchup features the 2025 title-holders against the 2025 Shield winners. Originally initiated as a recovery tournament during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Challenge Cup has evolved into a single-match format, raising questions about its purpose within the league. Despite its new format and event status, concerns persist regarding the competition's relevance among other titles teams pursue. The league hopes to enhance the Challenge Cup's profile with a halftime show and a fan event.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Gotham FC faces Kansas City Current at 8 p.m. ET.
•Challenge Cup has shifted from a month-long tournament to a single match.
•Questions about its relevance compared to other league competitions persist.
•NWSL hopes to attract more fans with event programming.
•Players can earn prize money, with winners taking $3,500.

Latest Updates

3:01 PMYahoo Sports — NWSL returns with the Challenge Cup, but the question remains: What is its purpose?

What they're saying

"
The NWSL Challenge Cup is upon us, which means it is again time to question its purpose and future. What was created as the NWSL’s month-long return to play tournament during the summer of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Challenge Cup has been a one-off match since 2024 between the league’s championship winners and regular season winners — assuming they are two different teams. (In 2025, Orlando Pride won both titles, so NWSL Championship runners-up Washington Spirit were their opponents.) For 2026,
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Sporting Kansas City NWSL Soccer