Manchester City Women will start their Women's Super League title defence at home to newly-promoted Birmingham City on Sunday 6 September. This fixture was confirmed as part of the full 2026/27 schedule released this week, with the reigning champions coming off a dominant season where they finished first with 55 points, scoring 62 goals.
What is the opening weekend schedule?
The new WSL season kicks off on Friday 4 September as London City Lionesses host Manchester United, according to a report from Sky Sports. Manchester City Women's first match is part of a bumper Sunday of action featuring five live games, including Arsenal's trip to Brighton and a London derby between Tottenham and West Ham. The league has expanded from 12 to 14 teams this season, with Birmingham City, Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic all promoted.
You can view the complete schedule on our fixtures page. Sky Sports will broadcast 90% of all WSL matches live this campaign.
Why is Brighton's coaching change significant?
Brighton & Hove Albion appointed Arturo Ruiz as their new head coach this week after Dario Vidosic's departure, Reuters reported. Vidosic left the club just a week before the season starts, having guided Brighton to a record fifth-place finish and their first Women's FA Cup final last term, where they lost 4-0 to Manchester City. Ruiz, 29, joins from Real Sociedad.
Zoe Johnson, Brighton's women's and girls' managing director, told ESPN the club was disappointed but respected Vidosic's decision. British media reports linked Vidosic with a move to NWSL side Angel City FC.
How did Arsenal strengthen this summer?
Arsenal have overhauled their squad after a trophyless season, The Guardian reports. Eleven players left the club, including long-serving stars Beth Mead and Katie McCabe, who joined Manchester City and Chelsea respectively. Seven new signings arrived, including Spain full-back Ona Batlle and England midfielder Georgia Stanway.
Technical director Jodie Taylor stated the club's ambition is clear. "I'll flat out say it: we want to win the league and want to take that next step," Taylor said. Arsenal finished four points behind City in the final 2025 standings.
What can fans expect at the Joie Stadium?
Manchester City's official website highlighted several reasons for fans to attend the season opener against Birmingham. The club will display the WSL and FA Cup trophies won in their historic 2025/26 double. Supporters could also see new signings Beth Mead and Niamh Charles in competitive action for the first time.
A new fan zone behind the South Stand will offer food and drink options. City's home form was formidable last season, winning all 11 WSL games at the Joie and Etihad Stadiums while conceding only 19 league goals.
What comes next for the champions?
Manchester City Women begin their campaign as clear favourites, having topped the table with 18 wins from 22 games last season. Their immediate focus is on integrating new signings and starting the new WSL season strongly at home. Fans can track the team's progress and the latest league positions on our standings page.
