Tottenham Hotspur Women are set to kick off their 2026-27 season on Sunday, September 6th, with a matchup against West Ham. Fans have plenty to be enthusiastic about as the team, under the leadership of Martin Ho, aims to build on their impressive fifth-place finish in the Women’s Super League (WSL) last season. The squad has seen an influx of young talent and six new signings this summer, all aimed at breaking into the coveted top three Champions League spots.
This is not the first time Spurs have entered a season with high hopes. The club experienced a similar situation in previous seasons, notably finishing fifth in the 2021-22 season under Rehanne Skinner and sixth in the 2023-24 season with Robert Vilahamn at the helm. However, both of those promising campaigns ended with disappointing downturns, leaving fans wary of potential struggles ahead. The hope this year is that the team can maintain their upward trajectory and avoid the pitfalls that plagued them in past seasons.
One of the key differences this year is the retention of core players such as Toko Koga, Olivia Holdt, and Signe Gaupset, which is crucial for stability. In previous seasons, the loss of key players due to transfers or injuries severely impacted the team’s performance. Notably, in 2022, Spurs lost several important players, including Rachel Williams and Maeva Clemaron, while 2024 saw the departure of Grace Clinton and Celin Bizet. This year, the squad appears more cohesive and ready to take on the challenges of the WSL.
The WSL has also undergone changes, expanding from twelve to fourteen teams, with three clubs promoted from the Women’s Championship. The relegation format remains the same, meaning the last-placed WSL team will face the third-place Championship team in a playoff. Spurs are optimistic about avoiding relegation and aiming for a higher finish, especially with the new talent brought into the squad.
As the season approaches, Spurs have made several strategic signings, including Shekiera Martinez and Kirsty Hanson to bolster their attacking options, along with Victoria Pelova and Caitlin Dijkstra for midfield and defense. The addition of Alice Sombath, who is the club’s record signing, is particularly exciting for fans looking for long-term development within the squad. This influx of talent is expected to provide the depth and versatility needed to compete at a higher level.
Looking back at the previous season, Spurs had a mixed bag of results, starting strong but facing challenges mid-season due to injuries and player departures. However, they managed to finish strongly in fifth place, ahead of teams like the London City Lionesses and Brighton. The new season brings renewed hope for improvement, especially with the promising performances from players like Toko Koga and Olivia Holdt, who emerged as key contributors last year.
The opening match against West Ham is expected to be a competitive affair. Historically, Spurs have found it challenging to secure victories against West Ham, regardless of the squads involved. With Rita Guarino still managing West Ham, the team has also strengthened its roster, making this matchup one to watch. Fans can catch the action live on Paramount+ and Sky Sports in the UK, as they eagerly anticipate the start of what they hope will be a successful campaign.
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