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2026 NWSL Playoffs: Teams, Dates, and Match Times for the Postseason

The 2026 NWSL regular season wrapped up, setting the stage for a fast-paced three-game run to the Championship. The playoff bracket is now finalized.

Gotham FC claimed the NWSL Shield by finishing first in the regular season standings, earning the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Seattle Reign barely secured the final playoff spot, edging out the North Carolina Courage by two points. The Courage struggled late in the season, dropping five of their last seven matches after a strong start.

This guide covers the 2026 NWSL playoff schedule, teams competing, upcoming fixtures, and viewing options.

Key Dates for 2026 NWSL Playoffs

  • Quarterfinals: Friday, November 6 to Sunday, November 8
  • Semifinals: Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 15
  • Final: Saturday, November 21 at 8 p.m. ET

Teams Qualified for 2026 NWSL Playoffs

After a tough 30-game regular season, the top eight clubs advanced to the postseason while the bottom eight were eliminated.

  • 1. Gotham FC – 61 points (18 wins, 7 draws, 5 losses; +16 goal difference)
  • 2. San Diego Wave – 58 points (18-4-8; +14 GD)
  • 3. Washington Spirit – 55 points (17-4-9; +15 GD)
  • 4. Kansas City Current – 53 points (16-5-9; +15 GD)
  • 5. Angel City FC – 52 points (15-7-8; +22 GD)
  • 6. Portland Thorns – 50 points (14-8-8; +9 GD)
  • 7. Utah Royals – 47 points (14-5-11; +5 GD)
  • 8. Seattle Reign – 47 points (14-5-11; +4 GD)

Teams That Missed the Playoffs

  • 9. North Carolina Courage – 45 points (14-3-13; +10 GD)
  • 10. Denver Summit – 41 points (11-8-11; +11 GD)
  • 11. Orlando Pride – 36 points (11-3-16; -8 GD)
  • 12. Houston Dash – 33 points (9-6-15; -6 GD)
  • 13. Boston Legacy – 33 points (9-6-15; -12 GD)
  • 14. Bay FC – 27 points (7-6-17; -17 GD)
  • 15. Racing Louisville – 24 points (7-3-20; -24 GD)
  • 16. Chicago Stars – 17 points (5-2-23; -54 GD)

2026 NWSL Playoff Matchups and Broadcast Details

Quarterfinals

  • Fri, Nov. 6, 10 p.m. ET: San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA – Streaming on Prime Video
  • Sat, Nov. 7, 12 p.m. ET: Kansas City Current vs. Angel City at CPKC Stadium, Kansas City, MO – Broadcast on CBS, Fubo, Paramount+
  • Sun, Nov. 8, 12:30 p.m. ET: Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign at Sports Illustrated Stadium, Harrison, NJ – Airing on ABC, ESPN Select, Fubo
  • Sun, Nov. 8, 3 p.m. ET: Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns at Audi Field, Washington, D.C. – Available on ABC, ESPN Select, Fubo

Semifinals

  • Matchups and times to be announced:Winner of Gotham/Seattle vs. Winner of Kansas City/Angel City
  • Winner of San Diego/Utah vs. Winner of Washington/Portland

Championship Final

  • Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m. ET: Finalists TBD, venue TBD – Broadcast on CBS, Paramount+, and Fubo

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