Is The WSL Title Race Over?

January 26, 2026

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WEEKLY

The five-minute read for dedicated-ish fans of women’s football.

This week was a week of shocks. Arsenal stunned Stamford Bridge, Mia Enderby scored two in two minutes to hand Liverpool an actual WSL win, and a certain Spanish start made a surprise appearance at Hayes Lane.

– Jo, founder of Twentytwo

⚽ WSL RECAP

Is the WSL Title Race Over?

Credit: SPP Sport Press Photo. /Alamy Live News

It was a huge weekend of results in the WSL but arguably the biggest win went to Arsenal who took down Chelsea at Stamford Bridge putting them just one point behind the current champions. City’s late win means they go nine points clear, leaving many wondering if the title race is already over.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Liverpool finally got their first win of the season, and with West Ham taking three points too, the relegation race has just got a lot more interesting.

RESULTS: WSL MATCHDAY 20
AS IT STANDS
MEANWHILE, IN THE LEAGUE CUP…

Chelsea are through to their seventh successive Women’s League Cup final after a win at Manchester City. They’ll face Manchester United, who narrowly beat Arsenal away.

The Final will be played on 15 March at Ashton Gate (Bristol).

⚽ PICKS FROM THE PITCH:

Top strikes & Saves from the weekend’s action…

  1. Mariona Caldentey – Two touches and in to round off Arsenal’s 2-0 win

  2. Kirsty Hanson – She just can’t stop scoring

  3. Jess Park – She glided through Villa’s defence

  4. Verena Hanshaw – A curling freekick masterclass

  5. Freya Godfrey – Drove at City’s defence, and powered this one over the keeper

🎥 Watch this if you only click one thing: Mia Enderby was instrumental in Liverpool’s first win of the season. She snuck a scrappy 94th minute goal to win it, then followed up a minute later with a cool, calm finish to seal the win.

🚨ICYMI

Top Headlines

⚽ The Adobe Women’s FA Cup fifth-round draw has served up some tasty draws. A Merseyside derby, Chelsea–United at Kingsmeadow, and London City vs Spurs. Chatham Town, who reach the fifth round for the first time in their history, face Birmingham City. Ties will be played over the weekend of 22 February.

🦁 The Lionesses are heading to the City Ground as they kick off their World Cup 2027 qualifying campaign. England will host Iceland in Nottingham on Saturday 7 March, in a stadium they haven’t played at for 32 years.

📆 The WSL says the proposed plan to play the Women’s Club World Cup in January 2028 could be “catastrophic” for players. League bosses are sounding the alarm over fixture congestion, burnout and injuries if FIFA squeeze another major tournament into an already packed calendar.

🏆 The Women’s League Cup is getting a rebrand and a refresh next season. Teams qualified for the Champions League will no longer take part and a new name and revamped format are coming, hopefully adding more jeopardy and excitement to a competition that has felt a little lost lately. Read more

📚 WHAT WE’RE READING

→ Will NI's manager search damage World Cup dream? – The BBC

✍️ INSIDE TRACK

Transfer Round-up

  • France winger, Delphine Cascarino, has left San Diego Wave to sign a three-and-a-half-year deal with London City Lionesses on a free transfer. 

  • Croatian midfielder Manuela Pavić has left West Ham after 18 months for Liga MX side Deportivo Toluca F.C. Femenil.

  • Liverpool have added Swiss youth star Aurélie Csillag to their forward line. The 19-year-old attacker arrives from Paris FC on a long-term deal, billed as a versatile signing, which is exactly what they need as they fight for WSL survival.

  • Alisha Lehmann is back in the WSL with Leicester. The Switzerland forward gives the Foxes proven top-flight experience, goals, and a serious commercial boost heading into the second half of the season.

  • Sorry Chelsea fans: Trinity Rodman is staying put. The USWNT star has signed a landmark new deal with Washington Spirit, reportedly the richest in NWSL history, ending any realistic hope of a WSL move and underlining the league’s ability to keep its biggest names at home.

👟 KIT DROP

Nike’s latest Tiempo boots are finally in the shops and we love the two new cuts. Maestro is the creator boot with a leather‑like upper and split soleplate; Ligera keeps it old school with a full plate, stitched toe and a slightly crazy fold‑over tongue. The Maestro gets two additional colour-ways, the attack pack (white/black/blue/pink) and black pack (black/ice blue). For lapsed Tiempo lovers, this feels like the time to fall head over heels again.​ 

The attack pack (left, and black pack (right)

NWSL x Dead Dirt knit jersey collection is designed as lifestyle wear first. Heavier textures, relaxed silhouettes landing closer to everyday football culture than matchday-only gear. We’re fans. Available now

Puma’s women’s-specific Light Up Pack just landed and we took a quick look under the hood. The boots use a narrower heel, and adjusted instep volume, built from female-specific foot data rather than resized men’s models. It’s a technical approach that prioritises fit, stability and comfort, in a bright pastel colourway. Shop the collection

🤓 BEGINNERS GUIDE TO…

The Women’s Champions Cup

You might’ve noticed people talking about FIFA’s new Women’s Champions Cup, but what is it and why should you care?

In a nutshell…
It’s brand-new intercontinental club competition. The idea is simple: continental champions from around the world face off to decide who’s actually best at club level. No group stages, just knockout football.

Who’s in it?
We’re at the semi-final stage, and the final four are:

  • Arsenal (UEFA)

  • Gotham FC (CONCACAF)

  • Corinthians (CONMEBOL)

  • ASFAR (CAF)

When are the games?

  • Semi-finals: Wednesday 28 January
    Gotham FC vs Corinthians and Arsenal vs ASFAR (Yes, WSL and NWSL fans, we might finally get to see a WSL vs NWSL showdown)

  • Final (and third-place play-off): Sunday 1 February

What’s on the line? 💰
The winners take home $2.3 million — the biggest prize pot ever for a women’s club competition. For context, that’s more than the current Champions League winner earns.

How do I watch?
UK viewers can catch every match live on Sky Sports or you can still buy tickets here

🛋️ DITCH THE SOFA

Upcoming Events

Baller FC x FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ semi-final
Wednesday 28 January, 14:00-22:00 for all semi-final ticket holders.

Baller FC is taking over ‘One Over The Ait’ pub at Kew Bridge for the entire day and turning it into the Baller FC Clubhouse - a pop up fanzone celebrating the teams and fan cultures of all the clubs taking part. Featuring DJs, live Samba band, club merch, fan culture, Tobin Heath Q&A and loads more.
Match tickets are still available here.

Is there a women’s football event happening near you? Give us a heads-up

📺 WEEKLY WATCHLIST

What We’re Watching

Your what-not-to-miss viewing guide (GMT/BST)

Wednesday 28 January
FIFA Women's Champions Cup Semi-Final

  • Gotham FC vs Corinthians (12:30, Sky Sports)

  • Arsenal vs AS FAR (18:00, Sky Sports)

Sunday 1 February
WSL

  • Brighton & Hove Albion vs London City Lionesses (11:55, Sky Sports+, WSL YouTube)

  • Everton vs Aston Villa (11:55, Sky Sports+, WSL YouTube)

  • Manchester United vs Liverpool (11:55, Sky Sports)

  • West Ham United vs Tottenham Hotspur (11:55, Sky Sports+)

  • Manchester City vs Chelsea (14:30, BBC One)

FIFA Women's Champions Cup

  • Third place play-off (14:45, Sky Sports)

  • Final (18:00, Sky Sports)

👀 FAVE FINDS

Putellas Spotting in South London

From BBC Sport Instagram

Barcelona and Spain star, Alexia Putellas, was spotted at London City Lionesses vs Manchester City match on Sunday. Cue the rumours.

Could the 31-year-old, who’s out of contract this summer, be headed to London City, or was she just there watching her International team-mates and enjoying the vibes?

See you next week!

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