WSL Cup (England) 2026/27

The WSL Cup, currently branded as the Subway Players Cup, stands as the primary league cup competition for women’s football in England. Established by The Football Association in 2011 alongside the launch of the professional Women’s Super League, it occupies the second tier of the domestic cup structure, sitting below the FA Women’s Cup. While the latter is open to the entire pyramid, this competition is restricted to the top two tiers: the 12 clubs of the Women’s Super League and the 12 clubs of the Women’s Championship.

Operations passed to WSL Football in 2024, replacing the former Women’s Professional Leagues Limited. The format underwent a significant shift for the 2026–27 season, moving away from the traditional group stage and knockout model that served for 15 years. The new hybrid Swiss-style league format divides 23 teams into Northern and Southern regional sections based on geography. Each side plays a minimum of six matches within their region, with draws decided by penalty shootouts where the winner earns 2 points and the loser 1.

The top eight teams overall advance to a single-leg knockout phase comprising quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final. Arsenal remains the most successful club in the tournament’s history, holding seven titles accrued between 2011 and 2024. Chelsea are the current holders following their victory over Manchester City in the 2024–25 edition, while Manchester City adds four additional triumphs to their record. The competition has evolved through various name changes, including the FA Women’s Continental League Cup and the Women’s League Cup, reflecting different sponsorship cycles.