With the 2026 NWSL already off to an electric start, there has been a lot of movement between player transfers both within the league and coming from abroad. Even prior to the beginning of the season, there were transfers that involved bringing international players to the NWSL. There seems to be a lot of attraction from players overseas to make their way over to the NWSL. Here we will look at the international transfers that have made and are expected to make noise this season.
Jessie Flemming
Despite this transfer being from a couple of years, the impact it carries is significant for the league. The Portland Thorns have shown great skill in this midfield this season and a large part of that is due to Fleming’s playstyle. Her resume speaks for itself as she is well-recognized as a top Canadian player and even wears the captain’s armband for the Canadian squad.
Her role with the Thorns is simply to be herself, as she has outstanding field vision and ability to maneuver in the midfield area. Aside from her talent, she can be seen as a veteran presence for the younger members of the squad, especially for the highly-talented and emerging star Olivia Moultrie.
Sveindis Jonsdottir
Off to the hottest start in club history, Angel City is soaring past opponents and Jonsdottir is a key piece to it all. Her 3 goals and 2 assists in just three games is not only impressive, but has also brought excitement to the Angel City team.
After transferring from VfL Wolfsburg as a free agent, Jonsdottir has a contract with Angel City through the 2027 season. If Angel City remains undefeated, Jonsdottir will surely be a massive reason why.
Kiana Palacios
Although the Utah Royals sit nearly at the middle of the standings, Palacios is a young talent who has a lot of promise in turning the Royals’ trajectory around. She was a stellar member at Club America in the Liga MX Femenil before her transfer to the NWSL. Palacios recorded 90 goals.
Utah needs their attacking line to be more effective, so Palacios is a perfect player to fill in that gap. It is important to remember it is very early in the season, and we should not be surprised if we see Palacios score a handful of goals as the season progresses.
Guro Reiten
Many are aware of Gotham’s “super team” status, but the loan transfer (turned to a permanent transfer) of illustrious midfielder, Guro Reiten, has added another layer to Gotham’s stacked lineup. Her outstanding stint with Chelsea is highlighted by winning 5 consecutive WSL titles.
Reiten’s magical left foot, vision, and crossing ability set her apart from many midfielders. To have Reiten in the midfield next to Rose Lavelle just seems unfair to other teams, but as fans, we see it as elite talent that continues to empower the competition of the league.
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin
Peyraud-Magnin joined the expansion squad, Denver Summit, after playing with Juventus. She is the starting goalkeeper for Summit and has recorded two clean sheets so far.
Even though Summit sit at the bottom of the table right now, there is a lot to look forward to from Peyraud-Magnin and the rest of the squad.
Catarina Macario
San Diego native, Catarina Macario, is set to represent the San Diego Wave in the coming weeks. Despite currently recovering from a foot injury and therefore setting back her debut, when Macario steps on the field it will be undeniable to miss her.
Her fierce and competitive playstyle makes her out to be a phenomenal talent on the frontline. She is bringing similar excitement to the Wave just as previous forward and women’s soccer legend Alex Morgan brought to the club. We all can’t wait to see Macario’s talent on full display in the NWSL this season!
Featured image via @sveindisss
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