Those desperate to see what London City Lionesses will look like with two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas in their ranks do not have to wait long, with the big-spending club kicking off the new Women’s Super League season against Manchester United on Friday 4 September. The Michelle Kang-owned side welcome United to Hayes Lane in the first game of the 2026-27 season, which will also likely feature goalkeeper Mary Earps, who returns to the WSL for an opener against her former club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain to join London City this summer. Also on the opening weekend, WSL champions Manchester City, who have added the former Arsenal forward Beth Mead and Chelsea defender Niamh Charles to their ranks, begin their title defence against WSL2 champions Birmingham. The Midlands side were promoted alongside Charlton and Crystal Palace with the top flight expanding to 14 teams for the first time. Arsenal start their campaign against Brighton, who knocked them out of the FA Cup at the quarter-final stage shortly before they earned a draw in the league against the Gunners that handed Manchester City their first title since 2016.