Season Overview
The 2026 women's soccer slate for Iowa State was unveiled this week, giving fans a full picture of a 19‑game journey that blends home comforts with challenging road trips. Coach Matt Fannon highlighted the balance of 11 home contests and eight away games, noting that the schedule is designed to test the Cyclones across both non‑conference and Big 12 competition.
The season opens with a home exhibition against Minnesota on August 5, a match that continues a three‑game unbeaten streak to start the year. The Cyclones then travel to Omaha for their first official test on August 12, before returning to Ames for a stretch that will see five of the next six games played on home soil.
Opening the Campaign
The exhibition against Minnesota marks the first of three early‑season games that set the tone for the year, with the team looking to build momentum heading into conference play.
A short road trip to Omaha follows, after which the Cyclones will host a series of matches against Kansas City, Creighton, Iowa, UNI and Missouri State, creating a lively atmosphere in Ames.
Conference Play and Road Trips
Conference action begins on September 17 when Colorado visits Ames, and the Cyclones will also host games in Houston and against West Virginia later in September. A later Arizona swing brings matchups with the Sun Devils and Wildcats before the team travels to Lawrence to face the Jayhawks, after which a three‑game road stretch ends with a home contest against Kansas State.
Final Stretch and Championship
The regular season concludes with a trip to Orlando on November 5 to take on UCF, a first‑time meeting that promises a fresh challenge. Shortly after, the Big 12 Soccer Championship will run from November 9 to 14, with the venue to be announced, while additional high‑profile games against BYU and Oklahoma State punctuate the final weeks of the schedule.