Defending NWSL champions Gotham FC will face the Washington Spirit in the inaugural “Queens Classic” to be held on July 15th at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.

The historic match will kick off at 8 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Gotham FC made the announcement on Tuesday at the Citi Field press conference room with representatives of the Mets and the NWSL on hand.

The reigning NWSL and CONCACAF W Champions Cup were represented by owner and governor Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, general manager Yael Averbuch West, captain Tierna Davidson and defender Jess Carter.

Historic NWSL Match Coming To Citi Field

NWSL COO Sarah Jones Simmer and New York Mets EVP of Ballpark Operations Katie Haas were also among those on hand at the event.

“The Queens Classic at Citi Field is a powerful moment for the NWSL and for women’s soccer in the New York area,” Jones said. “Bringing the reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC together with the Washington Spirit for a championship rematch on such an iconic stage is a testament to the momentum behind our league and the global attention on the sport this summer.”

July’s match in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park will be the first time that Gotham and Washington have met since the Bats defeated the Spirit in last November’s 2025 NWSL championship game.

Rose Lavelle’s dramatic 80th-minute goal decided last season’s championship and earned Gotham a second NWSL championship star above their uniform crest.

Speaking of uniforms, Lavelle and her Gotham teammates will likely be wearing Gotham’s blue and orange third kit in the “Queens Classic,” which is fitting given that 2026 is the 40th anniversary of the Mets’ 1986 World Series championship.

Mascots Mr. and Mrs. Met will also serve as torch bearers at Gotham’s NWSL home opener on March 21 against the North Carolina Courage at Sports Illustrated Stadium.

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