The National Women’s Soccer League Championship is coming back to the District. The NWSL announced Wednesday that it would host this year’s title match at Audi Field in November.
The 2026 edition of the championship game marks the second NWSL title for the District. The city also hosted the final match of 2022 at Audi Field, as 17,000 fans watched the Portland Thorns defeat the Kansas City Current.
The Washington Spirit made Audi Field their full-time home in 2023. In the intervening three years, the stadium has developed a reputation as one of the most raucous venues in women’s soccer.
“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,” NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. “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.”
The Spirit have sold out three of their five home matches to start the season, averaging more than 15,500 fans per game. The club sold out each of its home playoff matches over the last two years. Organizers will expect another sell-out for the NWSL Championship on Nov. 21.
“Hosting the NWSL Championship at Audi Field is an incredible honor for our fans and this city,” said Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone. “Audi Field is one of the best soccer atmospheres in the country, and DC shows up for women’s sports like few cities in the world. A fan base this passionate deserves events like this.”
The Spirit have appeared in each of the last two NWSL Championships, losing to the Orlando Pride in 2024 and Gotham FC in 2025.
Washington currently ranks fourth in the league with 21 points through its first 11 matches. The Spirit have recorded just one loss in NWSL play since March 13.
“Bringing the NWSL Championship back to Audi Field for a second time reflects how deeply the sport has taken hold in Washington, D.C.,” said Danita Johnson, the president of business operations for MLS club D.C. United, which owns Audi Field. “We built this venue to be a place where the community feels a sense of belonging, where world‑class sport, culture and connection come together.”
The NWSL Championship is the second title match booked for Audi Field this year. The springtime United Football League will host the “United Bowl” in the District on June 13.
Fans of the UFL’s DC Defenders, who play their home game at Audi Field, have also developed a reputation for rowdy crowds. The “beer snake” that Defenders fans build out of discarded beer cups has become a UFL staple.
In the lead-up to both championships, Washington will also host award ceremonies and community activations for the two leagues.
“As the Sports Capital, we have a proud tradition of hosting world-class events. The 2026 NWSL Championship brings another top-tier soccer event to the region and will serve as a milestone for our city,” said Angie Gates, the CEO and president of Events DC. “We are excited to deliver an incredible experience for soccer fans from across the globe, while showcasing the power of sports to unite the community.”
This year’s NWSL Championship will air live on CBS. Tickets will go on sale later this summer, league officials said.
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