Chelsea face tough games as they open their Women’s Super League title defence
Chelsea Women, reigning champions of the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL), will kick off their 2025/26 title defense with a high-stakes opener against Manchester City, followed by a demanding run of matches that includes two “Big Six” clashes in the first five rounds.
Title Defense Begins with a Classic Clash
The season opener, scheduled for September 5th at 3:30 PM (Brasília time), will see Chelsea host Manchester City in what promises to be an early test of their title credentials. The Blues are aiming to retain their domestic dominance after winning all three national titles in 2025, falling just short of a perfect season after missing out on the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Challenging Start for the Champions
After their opening clash with City, Chelsea will travel to face Aston Villa, followed by home fixture against Leicester City. The demanding stretch continues with away trips to West Ham United and Manchester United, rounding out a tricky five-match start that could define the early narrative of their season.
Eyes on Domestic and Continental Glory
Despite coming up short in Europe—watching rivals Arsenal lift the Women’s Champions League trophy Chelsea remain one of the top contenders for continental honors. With a deep, star-studded squad that includes multiple Women’s Euro-winning England internationals, manager Emma Hayes (or her successor) will be eyeing both domestic supremacy and European redemption.
Chelsea’s 37-day preseason is already underway, with the club balancing recovery, tactical preparation, and roster reinforcements ahead of what could be a historic campaign.
