Audi Field to host 2026 NWSL Championship

The NWSL's biggest game is coming back to the District.

The Athletic reported Tuesday that the 2026 NWSL Championship will be held at Audi Field on Saturday, November 21. Officials from the league, the Washington Spirit, stadium owner D.C. United, and Events DC will hold a press conference on Wednesday to further discuss the news.

Green Line Soccer has learned that the week leading up to the match will include the 2026 NWSL Awards ceremony, the NWSL Skills Challenge, and a Fan Fest. Details, including locations, start times, and so on will all be announced at a later date.

Audi Field hosted the 2022 NWSL Championship, which saw the Portland Thorns defeat the Kansas City Current 2-0.

"Rowdy Audi" has gained a reputation as one of the league's best venues, with the Spirit announcing their 10th sellout on Buzzard Point during this past weekend's 2-1 win over the Seattle Reign. The eight-year-old venue has also hosted the 2023 MLS All-Star Game, matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as well as multiple friendlies for the U.S. women's and men's national teams.

There is potential that this could be most high-profile week in Audi Field history. United currently sit in a playoff position in MLS's Eastern Conference, and are on a points-per-game pace to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2019. D.C. are currently in ninth place, which would set them up for MLS's wild card round on Wednesday, November 18. Moving up just one place would secure the Black-and-Red's first home playoff game since 2018.

Should United get through that stage, or climb the table and finish in the top seven, they would qualify for Round One of the playoffs, a best-of-three series that would be played somewhere between Friday, November 20 and Wednesday, December 2. The likelihood of a scheduling conflict are low, as United would have to finish in the top four to host the first game in Round One.