NWSL announces 2026 Championship will return to Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. has grown into an important women’s soccer market, with the Washington Spirit building a strong presence at Audi Field. U.S. women’s national team forward Trinity Rodman has helped raise the club’s profile in recent years, while the venue has remained a central part of the city’s soccer landscape as the home of both the Spirit and MLS side D.C. United.

Audi Field previously hosted the NWSL Championship in 2022. The 2026 final will mark the second time the league has awarded its women’s title game to the venue.

“Washington, D.C. has become one of the premier destinations for women’s soccer, with an incredibly engaged fan base, a vibrant soccer culture and a community that continues to champion the growth of our game,” NWSLCommissioner Jessica Berman said.

"As soccer captures the attention of fans across the country this year, the NWSL Championship will serve as a fitting culmination of a landmark year for our sport in the region."

Audi Field last hosted the NWSL Championship in 2022 when the Portland Thorns defeated Kansas City Current for the club's third league title. This is also the first time since that same year, that the NWSL Championship will return to the East Coast.

The NWSL Championship will be played on Saturday, Nov. 21. Ahead of the championship match, eight clubs will qualify for playoffs with the opening round of games beginning the weekend of Nov. 6.