USA. NWSL. Challenge Cup. Women
The NWSL Challenge Cup is an electrifying knockout competition featuring top women's teams from the National Women's Soccer League in the USA. Launched in 2023, it injects high-stakes drama into the calendar, with single-elimination matches that keep fans on the edge of their seats. This tournament highlights the surging growth of women's soccer in America, drawing massive audiences and showcasing elite talent.
History and foundation
Debuting in 2023 as a midseason innovation, the Challenge Cup saw OL Reign (now Seattle Reign FC) claim victory with a 2-1 final win over Portland Thorns. In 2024, Kansas City Current dominated NC Courage 2-0 in the final. A fun fact: Welsh star Jess Fishlock's goal in the inaugural final proved decisive. The cup has exploded in popularity, with millions of online views, and served as a launchpad for emerging stars amid NWSL's expansion era.
Tournament format
Pure knockout format: quarterfinals, semifinals, and final with eight top teams selected from the regular season standings. Single-leg ties on neutral or home grounds, resolved by extra time and penalties if needed. Seven matches per edition emphasize pace and intensity, with quick turnarounds between rounds.
Interesting facts
High-scoring affair: average 2.7 goals per game in 2023, peaking at five in a quarterfinal thriller. Leading scorers include Sophia Smith (3 goals, 2023, Portland Thorns) and Debinha (4, 2024, Kansas City). Standout players: Alex Morgan's veteran poise at OL Reign, Lindsey Horan's set-piece mastery for Portland, and prodigy Korbin Albert's breakthroughs with Washington Spirit. Stars like Sam Kerr shone early on.