The 2026 Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) season is upon us, and Chattanooga FC is ready to build on a historic 2025 season.
Last year saw CFC reach new heights by being crowned Southeast Conference Champions, South Region Champions and qualifying for the national semifinals.
The club takes on 2026 with a new head coach at the helm in Majo Harispuru, who served as an assistant coach under former head coach and club legend Juan Hernandez during last season's campaign. Harispuru brings years of technical leadership and an elite-level playing career to the table.
"We want to show a clear game model and style of play to show who we are on the field," said Harispuru. "Every single time you play us, regardless if it's a U8 or the WPSL team, you know you're playing against CFC. We want to be intentional with the ball and with what we do because that also helps the game and our players develop."
Harispuru was also asked what would constitute success for the 2026 season.
"Once every player goes back to their environment, regardless of where it is because we have players from all over, everyone is healthy, happy and successful. It's about taking care of players and helping them develop. I want them to go back and say, 'This was a fantastic experience. I'm a better person and player, and I definitely want to come back.'"
Roster construction
The 2026 squad is built with a mixture of those returning from last season's success and new faces. Harispuru explained what the guiding principles were in constructing this season's roster.
"First and foremost, it's about values and personality. We selected players that represent what we want with the ball and who also have the community and team ethos we want. They are going to represent this crest, so we wanted to make sure personality-wise that they would also work. We won't want to change anyone. We are who we are. We wanted to find sets of players that are going to drive us forward in tough times, have fun during the good moments and help us connect with everyone else."
Having brave centerbacks with a wide range of passing is a cornerstone of any Harispuru team, and newcomer Claire Palya and returner Kei Yoneda tick those boxes. She wants her attacking line to be full of players with personality and that want to take their defenders on and make something happen. Returner Annick Manga Zouma fits the bill there.
Harispuru will have tough decisions to make in all positions, but especially at goalkeeper, where there is an intriguing mix of players. Returner Kyleigh Hall played professionally and now coaches in the club's Youth setup, former ETSU keeper Ashton Blair is currently pursuing a professional career, while Saylor Schalk is a local CFC Youth talent. "I wish I could play all of them," remarked Harispuru. "All three of them are great with their feet, and that's where everything starts connecting."
What's at stake
Chattanooga FC is the defending champion of the WPSL South Region and competes in the Southeast Conference. Conference championships will take place between July 1-4, with the WPSL Championship taking place between July 17-19.
Schedule and Ticket Information
Chattanooga FC will play eight matches in total in the WPSL Southeast Conference, four home and four away.
Thursday, May 28, 6:00 p.m. ET: 865 Alliance vs. Chattanooga FC, Venue: Johnson University (Knoxville)
Tuesday, June 2, 8:00 p.m. ET: TN Tempo FC vs. Chattanooga FC, Venue: Siegel High School's Ken Nolan Stadium (Murfreesboro)
Sunday, June 7, 3:00 p.m. ET: Chattanooga FC vs. Georgia Impact, Home Opener at Finley Stadium, Buy Tickets
Friday, June 12, 6:00 p.m. ET: Chattanooga FC vs. 865 Alliance, Girls and Women in Sports Night at Finley Stadium, Buy Tickets
Tuesday, June 16, 7:00 p.m. ET:Â Chattanooga FC vs. Nashville Rhythm, Finley Stadium, Buy Tickets
Tuesday, June 23, 7:00 p.m. ET:Â Decatur FC vs. Chattanooga FC, Decatur High School (Atlanta, Ga)
Saturday, June 27, 6:00 p.m. ET:Â UFA Gunners vs. Chattanooga FC, Forsyth Central High School (Cumming, Ga)
Wednesday, July 1, 7:00 p.m. ET:Â Chattanooga FC vs. Atlanta Fire United, Finley Stadium, Buy Tickets
Broadcast information: All of CFC Women's home matches will be available to stream on Chattanooga FC's YouTube, with Gabriel Schray on the call.Â
2026 club season tickets provide access to men's and women's matches and are on sale now.
