How to watch Gotham FC and the Kansas City Current in the Challenge Cup | OneFootball

It has been almost a month since NJ/NY Gotham FC last played a competitive game, when they faced the Houston Dash in the NWSL win.  Afterward, the league paused for the summer break that included the international window, the CBA-mandated break, and the group round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  The NWSL does not return until next week.  However, the Bats will take the pitch again on Friday.

Gotham FC will finally play in the NWSL Challenge Cup, which was moved to later in the season rather than being played before the NWSL campaign began.  As such, the 2025 NWSL Champions will face the 2025 Shield winners, the Kansas City Current.  The match will be played in Columbus at a neutral site: the home of the Columbus Crew.

While the NJ/NY side beat the Current in the NWSL Playoffs last year, they lost in the first meeting this season.  Still, the teams are in a similar position, for Gotham is in fifth place and Kansas City sits in sixth place in the standings.  In addition, the Bats played the Current during their 1-2-2 stretch to start the season.  Since then, excluding the disastrous CONCACAF W Champions Cup knockout games, they have been unbeaten in league play.

The question is whether Gotham FC will be ready to play in the Challenge Cup.  After all, it has been some time since the team played together.  They usually struggle to begin seasons, so will they struggle after the pause?  Or will they pick up where they left off before the break? Truthfully, not much is expected from the players.

How to watch Gotham FC in the Challenge Cup

Date

Friday, June 26

Time

8:00 PM ET

How to watch on TV and streaming

Prime

How to listen

Unknown

How to watch in person

Supporters would have to travel to Columbus, Ohio, to watch the game.

How to follow

Fans can follow the game on Gotham’s social media accounts, the NWSL feed on the NWSL website, and other websites like ESPN.com.

Final notes

The Bats have faced injuries this season, and a few players were just coming back right before the break.  Hence, fans are hopeful that the team will be healthier as they enter the Challenge Cup and eventually July.  A healthier team means that Gotham FC will become more threatening and should compete for the NWSL Shield.  Seeing who is available for the one-game event will be interesting to see.