The Iowa women's soccer team, under head coach Dean Ward, has announced a challenging 21-game schedule for the 2026 fall season. Included in the slate are nine NCAA Tournament teams and a total of 11 home matches. The season kicks off with an intrasquad scrimmage on August 1, followed by a regular season opener at home against Milwaukee on August 12. The Hawkeyes aim to build on their successful 2025 campaign, where they reached the NCAA Tournament's second round.

By the Numbers
  • Iowa women's soccer had a 12-5-4 record in the 2025 season.
  • The 2026 schedule features nine teams that participated in the NCAA Tournament.
State of Play
  • Iowa opens the season with two home matches against Milwaukee and Loyola Chicago.
  • The Big Ten action begins on the road against Minnesota on September 10.
  • The Big Ten Conference Tournament is scheduled for November 4-13 in West Lafayette, Indiana.
What's Next

The team will focus on training and preparation leading up to their inaugural match, with high expectations for performance based on last season's results. Key matchups against ranked NCAA teams in the schedule will be vital for their postseason ambitions.

Bottom Line

The 2026 schedule presents a potent mix of competition that could challenge the Hawkeyes, but with a solid foundation from last year's performance, Iowa aims to make a significant impact in both conference play and the NCAA Tournament.