London City host Man Utd to kick off WSL season

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that London City Lionesses will open the 2026-27 Women’s Super League season at home to Manchester United on Friday, 4 September, with kick-off listed for 19:00 BST. The fixture is expected to feature a first WSL appearance for Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner who is the most prominent of eight summer signings made by head coach Eder Maestre.

The announced schedule gives London City an immediate showcase against a United side seeking to recover from missing out on Champions League qualification last season. BBC Sport notes that Chelsea’s first match, against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, 5 September, will be shown live on BBC One as part of the broadcaster’s 25-match WSL package for the campaign. Chelsea are also set to play all home league fixtures at Stamford Bridge after previously using Kingsmeadow.

Defending champions Manchester City begin at home to promoted Birmingham City, while Tottenham host West Ham. Charlton Athletic and Crystal Palace, both promoted as the league expands to 14 clubs, start with home games against Liverpool and Everton respectively. Arsenal, described among the title contenders, travel to Brighton, the ground where a draw in May helped confirm Manchester City as 2025-26 champions.

Key early meetings include Chelsea against Arsenal on 27 September, Arsenal at Manchester City on 4 October, and Manchester City’s trip to Chelsea on 14 November, which BBC Sport says will be broadcast by the BBC. The report also highlights a more varied fixture pattern this season, with more Friday night, Saturday lunchtime and staggered Sunday games after criticism of regular Sunday noon kick-offs clashing with grassroots football.