Manchester City began their Women’s Super League title defence with a 3‑1 victory over Birmingham City on Sep 6, 2026. Khadija Shaw scored twice, while Mary Fowler added the opener for City, who captured their first league crown in a decade last season. Birmingham’s goalkeeper Sophie Baggaley produced a series of crucial saves, including a spectacular reflex stop on Alex Greenwood, to keep the Blues within striking distance.

City’s dominance intensified after the break, with Fowler converting a 12‑yard finish in the 49th minute and Shaw heading home corners from Kerstin Casparij and Beth Mead. Late‑game heroics from Baggaley and a consolation goal by Oceane Hurtre in the 90th minute highlighted an entertaining contest, as City asserted they remain the side to beat in the WSL.