NWSL IS ON ONESOCCER 🙌 Here are 23 Canadian players to watch in 2026

The start of the 2026 NWSL season is rapidly approaching, as the league gets set for a landmark campaign. 

With the arrival of two new expansion teams, this will literally be the league’s biggest season yet, too, as 16 teams are getting set to compete for the NWSL Shield and NWSL Championship. 

The arrival of the two expansion teams has provided plenty of opportunities for Canadian players, as well, with six CanWNT-eligible players set to line up for the league’s two newest clubs - three will play for the Boston Legacy, and three others will play for the Denver Summit, in their respective inaugural campaigns.  

At the same time, this isn’t surprising, as the number of Canadians in the league has been slowly growing for a while now. Because of that, there are now 23 players set to play in the league this year, and that number could increase before the 2026 season kicks off in March, capping off an already-busy transfer window.  

With that in mind, here’s a look at those 23 Canadian players to watch in the NWSL this season. 

Sydney Collins (Bay FC):

After missing all of 2024 and part of 2025 with two different leg fractures, Sydney Collins is finally fully healthy in 2026, as the 26-year-old looks to build on a solid end to last season with Bay FC, who she joined on a trade from the North Carolina Courage halfway through 2025. 

Having done well to hit the ground running as a centre back for Bay FC, featuring in all nine of her appearances with her new club after mostly playing as a full back for the Courage, she’ll look to continue building her comfort in a position she hadn’t played since college. Perhaps that could help her rebuild her stock with the CanWNT, too, given the competition she has at full back, especially if she can feature regularly for a Bay FC side that will be hungry to make the playoffs after missing out last season. 

Clearly, Casey Stoney is keeping an eye on her, as Collins earned a Canada call-up last December, so it’s not out of the question for her to become a Canadian regular again in 2026, much as she was at the end of 2023 and beginning of 2024, before the injury troubles all began. 

Brooklyn Courtnall (Bay FC):

Likely pairing with Collins at centre back with Bay FC will be another Canadian, as Brooklyn Courtnall is looking to take a big leap in her second full NWSL season. After signing with the North Carolina Courage straight out of college last year, she was unable to find a role at the club, which led to a Bay FC loan last summer, and she immediately formed a reliable centre-back partnership with Collins at her new club. 

Because of that, look for the 23-year-old to reward the faith placed in her by Bay FC, who made her loan permanent this offseason before re-signing her to a three-year contract. A modern centre back profile, she’ll want to continue to improve her play on the ball, having produced good defensive metrics in her limited minutes last year, especially in terms of her duels. 

From there, she’ll look to crack the CanWNT roster for the first time, having earned 10 caps at the U20 level, as she’s one of many young Canadian centre-backs worth keeping an eye on in the NWSL this year. 

Amanda Allen (Boston Legacy): 

Could a fresh start reignite Amanda Allen’s career at the perfect time? Certainly, that’s the bet that she’s making this season, as she’s joined the Boston Legacy on a two-year contract ahead of their inaugural campaign 

After three seasons with the Orlando Pride, where she made just 14 appearances and had two loan stints (one with Lexington SC in the USL Super League, the other with the Halifax Tides in the Northern Super League), this seems to be a great opportunity for Allen, who is still just 20, to find the minutes that just weren’t there for her in Florida. 

Certainly, there’s no doubting her talent and potential as a game-breaking attacking player, but she hasn’t been able to show it regularly, so perhaps playing for an expansion team will be just the sort of environment she needs to have a breakout year, one that could vault her back into the CanWNT’s plans - certainly, at this stage of her career, she’ll have hoped to have had more than the solitary cap she gained as a 17-year-old to her name. 

Bianca St-Georges (Boston Legacy):

Bianca St-Georges will be hoping to find a bit of stability with expansion side Boston Legacy, as she joins her fourth club since the start of 2023, having had stints with the Chicago Stars, North Carolina Courage and Utah Royals across the last few seasons. 

A versatile player who can play across the pitch, she’ll look for a consistent role in Boston, as the 28-year-old has played as a full back, wing back, winger and even a striker in recent seasons. For a new side, though, that versatility and her experience should make her quite valuable - there’s a reason why she’s played 26, 22 and 22 games across her last three seasons, and has remained on the fringes of the CanWNT picture. 

Nichelle Prince (Boston Legacy):

After two mixed seasons with the KC Current, Nichelle Prince is getting a fresh start by joining the Boston Legacy, and this appears to be the sort of move that the 30-year-old needs to remain in the CanWNT picture going forward. 

She featured regularly at the Current, playing 37 games across two seasons, scoring just three goals and adding three assists as she bounced in and out of their lineup. Safe to say, that’s not the sort of output expected from someone whose best season was a six-goal, three-assist campaign with the Houston Dash in 2022. 

With Boston, though, she’ll hope to be able to find a regular starting role as a striker, which appears to be her best position at this stage of her career, especially after the Achilles injury she sustained in 2022. Certainly, finding form at that position remains her best path towards maintaining a spot in the CanWNT squad, something that she’ll struggle to do if she has another quiet season. 

Julia Grosso (Chicago Stars): 

A big 2026 awaits Julia Grosso and the Chicago Stars, as they missed the playoffs for the second time in three seasons in 2025  - for context, they’d previously made the playoffs every season between 2015 and 2022. 

Because of that, Grosso will be hoping for her side to return to the postseason in her second full campaign in Chicago. After having scored two goals and added three assists in 23 appearances last season, she’ll want to return to the form she had at Italian side Juventus, where she had four goals and six assists in 2022-2023 and six goals and one assist in 2023-2024. 

She remains a CanWNT regular, but with Canada’s slowly improving midfield depth, Grosso will want to showcase her dynamic box-to-box ability, which she only showed in glimpses in 2025. Safe to say, a massive season beckons for the 25-year-old, who will want to show that she can be the sort of NWSL star many expected her to be when she joined Chicago.

Megan Reid (Denver Summit):

After spending four seasons with Angel City, Megan Reid has signed a three-year contract with the Denver Summit, giving them some important experience at the back for their inaugural season. 

A solid centre back who racked up 80 appearances for Angel City between 2022 and 2025, the 29-year-old will hope to carve out a spot at the heart of Denver’s backline, playing a similar role to the one she played on Angel City - who were also an expansion side when she joined in 2022, it must be remembered. 

Having made the playoffs just once while in LA, she’d love to change that on a Denver side that has made some impressive signings, including a few of her CanWNT teammates. Speaking of Canada, however, she’ll hope that a strong season with Denver can also reignite her 2027 World Cup aspirations, having earned just three caps for Canada so far since earning her first call-up in 2024. 

Emma Regan (Denver Summit):

In a sign of their intent, the Denver Summit splashed the cash to bring in Emma Regan, as they signed the 26-year-old midfielder on a transfer from Northern Super League side AFC Toronto. 

Now, they’ll hope she can replicate what she did in 2025 with Toronto, who she captained to a Supporters’ Shield victory and an NSL final appearance, playing 28 games and scoring three goals along the way.  

Having also had a breakout year for the CanWNT, with 11 out of her 15 total caps coming in 2025, this is a well-deserved move for Regan, who will look to prove that what she did with Toronto can be replicated in the NWSL. As a flexible midfielder who can play multiple positions, she should be able to find a spot in her new team rather quickly, at least, so the opportunity will be there for her to hit the ground running. 

Janine Sonis (Denver Summit):

It’s a special homecoming for Janine Sonis, who, despite representing the CanWNT, was born in Colorado, which is why it’s so special that she’s joined the Denver Summit for their inaugural season. 

After a solid stint with Racing Louisville, which included a three-goal, five-assist 2025 season to help them qualify for the playoffs for the first time ever, Sonis is expected to play a big role as a full back for the Summit in 2026, having only started to play that role more regularly for Louisville. 

Given the experience she brings to the table, having won trophies for Manchester City and the Portland Thorns, along with her success with Canada as an Olympic gold and bronze medallist, the 31-year-old is a massive addition for the expansion side, no doubt. Plus, any potential success could open the door for her to earn a new role with Canada, too, as Stoney might be tempted to use her as a full back if she can replicate the form she had at the position at Louisville. 

Allysha Chapman (Houston Dash):

Allysha Chapman is getting set for a 12th NWSL season, and an 11th as part of the Houston Dash, as the 37-year-old has shown no signs of wanting to retire anytime soon, even after having a child in 2024. 

Having made 19 appearances since returning from maternity leave, including 11 in 2025, she wants to carve out a bigger role in 2026, as she looks to help the Dash qualify for the playoffs for just the second time in their history.

Therefore, while Chapman is unlikely to add to her 99 CanWNT caps this year, she’ll be worth keeping an eye on, as she looks to bring her grit and leadership to a Dash side starving for success. 

Clarissa Larisey (Houston Dash):

Big things are expected of Clarissa Larisey in her first full season with the Houston Dash, as she showed some positive glimpses in the second half of the 2025 season after joining in a midseason transfer from Crystal Palace. 

After scoring seven goals in both 2023 and 2024 for Swedish side BK Häcken, Larisey was unable to find the net for Palace, who were relegated from the WSL at the end of 2024-2025, but she was able to nab a goal and an assist for the Dash in 10 appearances.

Now, in 2026, she’ll want to start finding the net more regularly again, as she looks to bring some firepower to a Dash attack that scored the second-fewest goals in the NWSL in 2025. With that, she’ll then look to claw her way back into a CanWNT team always looking for more goals, as she tries to add to the 12 caps she’s so far earned, having only earned two caps in 2025. 

Sophie Schmidt (Houston Dash):

It’s yet to be seen whether or not Sophie Schmidt will feature for the Dash in 2026, as the 37-year-old had knee surgery last September, but she’ll target a return sometime in the summer, if possible. 

Given her importance to the Dash, who she joined back in 2019, they’ll be eager to have her back, and for good reason, as she’s racked up 129 appearances for the club across seven seasons. 

She might be retired from the CanWNT, where she earned an impressive 226 caps and won an Olympic gold medal and a pair of bronze medals, but she’d hit some of her best form for the Dash in recent seasons, so she’ll hope this knee surgery doesn’t slow her down too much upon her return. 

Amanda West (Houston Dash):

It’s hard to say if Amanda West suits up for the Houston Dash in 2026, as she continues her return from a knee injury suffered while on loan with AFC Toronto in 2025. 

Having sustained the injury in April of last year, she’s on track to soon make her return, but it’s unsure yet whether the 24-year-old striker will get to add to the 18 appearances she made for the Dash in 2024 or seek out another loan, or even a permanent transfer. 

Eligible to play for the CanWNT, she’ll want to find a regular role, no matter where that is - and perhaps that opportunity can still come with the Dash, given their 2025 goalscoring woes. 

Kailen Sheridan (North Carolina Courage):

In a shock move, the former NWSL goalkeeper of the year, Kailen Sheridan, is heading to the North Carolina Courage, after having had her contract with the San Diego Wave terminated at the end of 2025. 

After spending four seasons in San Diego, racking up 89 appearances, she’ll look to prove why she was one of the best goalkeepers in the NWSL, and the world, while she was with the Wave. She’s regressed a bit over the last few seasons, no doubt, but at 30, there’s no reason why she can’t rediscover her top level at a new club. 

Certainly, the CanWNT will hope she does, as she remains their main option in goal, even if Sabrina D’Angelo has made that more of an interesting battle over the past year or so. 

Carly Wickenheiser (North Carolina Courage):

Joining Kailen Sheridan in North Carolina is another Canadian, as Carly Wickeneheiser is heading to the NWSL after spending over half a decade in Sweden.

Because of that, while the 28-year-old will be an NWSL newcomer at the Courage, she brings good experience in the Damallsvenskan, as she accumulated 127 appearances across all competitions for top-flight sides BK Häcken, Kristianstads DFF, and KIF Orebro. Along with a short stint in the Swedish second division with Morön BK, she certainly acquainted herself quite nicely with Swedish football since arriving in 2019. 

Having earned her first three caps for Canada in 2025, this move should raise her National Team profile, too, given Canada's lack of natural midfield depth, showing why she'll be eager to return to North America. 

Zara Chavoshi (Orlando Pride): 

Zara Chavoshi is looking to build off a solid first professional season with the Orlando Pride, as she racked up a solid 13 appearances for a strong side, one that finished fourth in the regular season table, and reached the semi-finals of the playoffs. 

Now, the 23-year-old will want to carve out a bigger role in 2026, as she will feel ready for a big breakout season. It’s to her credit that she was able to earn as many appearances as she did on a strong Orlando side, as she’s a modern centre back, one more than capable of handling the demands of playing at this level. 

That’s why she also earned two CanWNT caps last year, even scoring her first goal, as Casey Stoney certainly saw her potential - because of that, keep an eye on her as a potential emerging star going forward. 

Marie-Yasmine Alidou (Portland Thorns):

Things didn’t go as planned for Marie-Yasmine Alidou in her first NWSL season, as the 30-year-old had 21 appearances in all competitions for the Portland Thorns, scoring just one goal and adding one assist across that span.

After scoring 33 goals and adding seven assists across 72 appearances for Benfica, it was a surprise to see that sort of production, as it was expected that Alidou could immediately slot in and be a dangerous attacking force for the Thorns. 

Certainly, they’ll now be expecting her to hit new heights in 2026, as she’s had a year to adjust to the league - she wouldn’t be the first attacking player to struggle in a new league before finding her feet. Given that she finally established herself as a CanWNT regular in 2025 after struggling to do so previously, she’ll want to now maintain that spot by catching fire in the NWSL. 

Jessie Fleming (Portland Thorns): 

A big third season with the Portland Thorns awaits Jessie Fleming, who showed signs of being back to her best in 2025, but is still looking to hit the heights she hit when at her peak with English giants Chelsea. 

Certainly, though, a two-goal, five-assist 2025 campaign for a team that reached the semi-finals is a good step forward for the 27-year-old, especially after she failed to score and generated just one assist in 2024, so look for Fleming to take another big step forward as she continues to adjust to life in the NWSL. 

In particular, look for her to find a regular role, as she’s played a multitude of positions with the Thorns, thanks to her tactical flexibility. Ideally, she plays as more of a box-to-box midfielder, as she often does when playing for (and captaining) the CanWNT, although she’s had success as an inside forward before, so she can also be deployed higher up the pitch, if needed. 

Adriana Leon (San Diego Wave):

Adriana Leon is looking to take a big step forward in her second season with the San Diego Wave, as the 33-year-old is coming off a 2025 campaign where she scored four goals and added three assists for a playoff team, which are more than respectable totals. 

After scoring 10 goals and adding six assists in 38 appearances for her last club, Aston Villa, though, Leon will feel she’s got more goals in her game, and for good reason - she’s the third all-time top CanWNT scorer, after all. 

Having seemingly found a good long-term home with San Diego, she’ll want to push to maintain her spot on the CanWNT, as she now has the sort of club stability that she’s sometimes lacked over the past few years - which has sometimes affected her form for Canada. When she’s been in form, it’s been hard to stop her, and the best way to find form is to have consistent minutes and opportunities, which she’ll appear to have again with the Wave in 2026. 

Jordyn Huitema (Seattle Reign):

Quietly, Jordyn Huitema is now entering her fourth full season with the Seattle Reign, who she joined halfway through 2022, and the 24-year-old has her eyes on a big bounce-back campaign.

After having scored an impressive seven goals in her first full season in the league back in 2023, she’s scored just six combined goals across the 2024 and 2025 campaigns, showing why she’ll be hungry to start pouring in more goals again in 2026. 

Given that she’s still yet to hit her prime, it’ll be hoped that she can take a big leap forward this season, as she’s certainly got the potential to hit another level up front for the Reign, and the CanWNT - in particular, it remains remarkable that she’s already hit 94 caps for Canada at her age, scoring 23 goals. 

Cloé Lacasse (Utah Royals):

A healthy Cloé Lacasse is hoping to power the Utah Royals to their first-ever playoff appearance in 2026, as she continues to return to full speed after returning from a major knee injury sustained in 2024. 

She showed glimpses of being back to her best in 2025, scoring one goal and adding one assist in 12 appearances, but she’ll know she’s got another level to hit if she wants to return to the level she had before the injury, as she was dominant with Benfica, and put up solid numbers for Arsenal and with the Royals before her injury. In fact, in her first half-season with the Royals before the injury, she scored four goals - that was enough to lead the team in goals for the 2024 season despite her late arrival to the team. 

Because of that, look for her to find her goalscoring boots again. Certainly, the CanWNT wouldn’t mind that, as she scored five goals for Canada between September 2023 and July 2024, showing how much they missed the 32-year-old during her absence. 

Gabrielle Carle (Washington Spirit):

Rewarded with a new contract after three excellent seasons with the Washington Spirit, unfinished business is going to be the theme of 2026 for Carle and the Spirit, who have lost in the NWSL Championship game in the last two seasons. Armed with a strong squad, there’s no reason why the Spirit can’t make it a third straight appearance, either, as they chase their second NWSL Championship after winning their first in 2021. 

If they do that, however, look for Carle to play a big role after making 83 appearances across her first three seasons with the club. A key piece at full back, the 27-year-old is a crucial part of what the Spirit does on both sides of the ball, and for good reason. 

She hasn’t been able to carve out such a role for the CanWNT, unfortunately, although she’s earned a bigger role over the past two years, and that role could still grow if she continues to hit new heights for the Spirit.

Élisabeth Tsé (Washington Spirit):

One of the new Canadians in the NWSL is an experienced professional, as Élisabeth Tsé brings impressive experience from her time in France, where she racked up 47 appearances for French top-flight side Le Havre over the past two and a half seasons. 

A modern centre back profile, the 23-year-old Tsé will now look to use that to her advantage as she tries to crack a strong Spirit side, although you have to figure she’ll have a pretty decent role from day one. 

Certainly, she’s a good signing for the future, but she’ll want to prove that she’s more than ready for minutes in the here and now with the Spirit - something that could also open the door for her to earn her first CanWNT caps after previously having represented Canada at the U17 and U20 levels.