Missouri State University’s women’s soccer program has released its 2026 schedule, a 19‑match lineup that pits the Bears against a who’s‑who of national powerhouses.
A demanding non‑conference slate
The Bears will open the season at home against Kansas on August 16, a team that finished seventh in the Big 12 and earned a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament last year. Additional non‑conference foes include Kansas State, Missouri, Iowa and a first‑ever meeting with Iowa State on September 3.
Coach Kirk Nelson, who guided the Bears to the Conference USA Championship final in his debut season in the league, described the schedule as “tough and challenging,” emphasizing the value of testing his squad against elite competition.
Building on recent success
Returning six starters and 13 other players from the previous roster, the Bears hope to translate that experience into a deeper run in the 2026 Conference USA Tournament, which will be staged in Newark, Delaware, over three November days.
Conference USA Tournament outlook
The tournament is set for November 8, 10 and 13, bringing the Bears back to the site of last season’s title match where they fell to Liberty. A rematch with the Flames looms on November 1, promising another high‑stakes encounter.