The 2026 NWSL season opens with a rematch of the 2025 semifinal as the Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns FC on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT). The match takes place at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., and will be broadcast live on Prime Video.
Washington Spirit finished the 2025 season strongly and entered 2026 with a revamped roster and high expectations at home.
Coach Adrián González has a nearly full squad after announcing the start-of-season roster, with no major injuries reported. The Spirit will look to use their attacking depth and Audi Field advantage to start the campaign with three points.
Portland Thorns FC begin the season on the road for the third straight year under new head coach Robert Vilahamn (whose visa has been approved).
The Thorns are coming off a solid preseason and will rely on veterans like Sophia Smith and Morgan Weaver, though they face travel challenges and the tough early test against last year’s semifinal opponent.
Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns FC Match Details, Date, Time, Predictions, and Where to Watch
| Match | Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns FC |
|---|---|
| Tournament | NWSL 2026 Regular Season |
| Date | March 13, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM ET |
| Venue | Audi Field, Washington, D.C. |
| Broadcast | Prime Video |
This season-opener at Audi Field pits two teams with recent playoff history against each other. The Spirit’s home strength and attacking firepower contrast with Portland’s tactical discipline under their new coach.
Expect an open, competitive match as both sides look to set the tone for 2026, with the Spirit slight favorites due to home advantage and squad continuity.
Team News and Analysis
Washington Spirit: Full squad available after the start-of-season roster announcement. No major absences reported. Coach Adrián González will likely deploy a high-pressing 4-3-3, focusing on quick transitions and set-piece threats at Audi Field.
Portland Thorns FC: New coach Robert Vilahamn leads the team for the first time in an official match. No significant injuries noted, though travel fatigue could play a role. The Thorns will emphasize defensive organization and counter-attacks in a compact setup.
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams met in the 2025 NWSL Semifinals (Spirit advanced). Overall, the Spirit hold a slight edge in recent meetings, with high-scoring games typical. Portland will be motivated for revenge in this early-season rematch.
Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns Starting XI Lineups
- Washington Spirit (4-3-3): Kingsbury; Sanchez, Sonnett, McKeown, Fox; Hershfelt, Staab, Rodriguez; Sanchez, Hatch, Rodman.
- Portland Thorns FC (4-3-3): Bixby; Müller, Sauerbrunn, Hubly, Reyes; Coffey, Sugita, Fleming; Weaver, Smith, Turner.
Key Players to Watch
- Washington Spirit: Trinity Rodman (pace and creativity) and Ashley Hatch (goal threat).
- Portland Thorns FC: Sophia Smith (star forward) and Sam Coffey (midfield engine).
Match Prediction
The Spirit are slight favorites at home and are predicted to start the season with a narrow win. Portland’s new coach and counter-attacking threat make this competitive, but Audi Field’s advantage should prove decisive. Expect over 2.5 goals in an exciting opener.
- Prediction: Washington Spirit 2–1 Portland Thorns FC
Where to Watch
In the USA, the Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns FC match streams live on Prime Video. Coverage begins at 8:00 PM ET, with highlights available on the NWSL YouTube channel and official league app. In Canada, check OneSoccer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns FC?
The match will be played on March 13, 2026.
Where will the match take place?
The game will be held at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.
Where can fans watch the match?
The match will be streamed on Prime Video.
Who are the key players in the match?
Key players include Trinity Rodman for Washington Spirit and Sophia Smith for Portland Thorns FC.
