NJ/NY Gotham FC kicks off the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup tonight against Kansas City Current. The Bats, defending champions, will face the reigning NWSL Shield winner Kansas City.

What's at Stake?

Gotham FC will hunt to build momentum after knocking the Current out of last year's quarterfinals. Kansas City midfielder Lo'eau Labonta expressed her team's desire for revenge.

The Opposition

Kansas City is currently leading the league, 29 points ahead of NJ/NY Gotham FC. The Current's strong performance will be a challenge for the Bats.

The Larger Picture

The 2026 Challenge Cup also marks Columbus's first-ever NWSL game, just two months after the Ohio capital landed its own 2028 expansion team. Gotham and USWNT defender Tierna Davidson commented on the team's potential fan base.

| Category | Stat | | --- | --- | | League Standing | 8th in NWSL Women, 36 pts, 9W-9D-8L from 26 games | | Goals This Season | 35 scored, 25 conceded (+10 goal difference) | | Title Race | 29 points behind leaders Kansas City W | The match will be live on Prime at 8 PM ET. NJ/NY Gotham FC will look to start the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup strong.