Alexia Putellas will make her Women's Super League debut on the opening night of a season in which the league's salary cap finally carries consequences. London City Lionesses host Manchester United at Hayes Lane at 7pm on Friday 4 September, the first fixture of a 2026-27 season that runs to 22-23 May 2027.
The Spain midfielder left Barcelona on a free transfer after 14 years and signed a three-year deal in Bromley, the highest-profile of eight signings made by manager Eder Maestre. Mary Earps arrives from Paris Saint-Germain and faces the club where she spent five years; Mapi León and Kadidiatou Diani came the same way.
For United it is an unforgiving opening: after Hayes Lane they host Chelsea on Sunday 13 September, then travel to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Saturday 19 September. Three fixtures will show early whether a side that missed the Champions League last season is rebuilding towards the title or a European place.
The champions get the kinder draw