Iowa State University has released its 2026 women's soccer calendar, a 19‑match regular season that blends early‑season non‑conference experiments with a full Big 12 slate. The announcement comes as head coach Matt Fannon prepares his squad for a campaign that will test depth, endurance, and tactical flexibility.
The season opens with an exhibition match against Minnesota on August 5, followed by the first official game on the road at Omaha on August 12. The Cyclones will then enjoy a four‑match home stretch in August, welcoming Creighton, Iowa, UNI, and Missouri State in quick succession.
Key non‑conference matchups
A highlight of the non‑conference portion is a trip to Baltimore on September 10, where Iowa State will meet Loyola Maryland for the first time in program history. The match marks a rare cross‑regional test before the team returns home to face Drake on August 20.
Big 12 play begins on September 17 with a home contest against Colorado. After a road test at Houston on September 24, the Cyclones will host West Virginia and Utah later in the conference schedule, while traveling to face Arizona State, Arizona, and Kansas.
The latter part of the season includes a Halloween week double‑header against BYU and Oklahoma State, culminating in the regular‑season finale on November 5 at UCF in Florida. Each of these fixtures is designed to sharpen the team’s competitive edge heading into potential postseason play.
Head coach Matt Fannon emphasized the importance of early chemistry, noting that the packed August home schedule will give the squad valuable minutes on familiar turf. "We’re using this stretch to build cohesion and confidence before we hit the road for the first conference battles," he said.