Gotham FC secured the 2026 NWSL Shield with a victory over the Utah Royals on the final day of the regular season, while the Seattle Reign clinched the last playoff berth in dramatic fashion.
The final seeding for the postseason came down to the closing minutes of the 2026 NWSL season on November 2, with Gotham's win ensuring they finish top of the table and earn the Shield. Meanwhile, Seattle's result allowed them to sneak into the playoffs as the final qualifier.
The day's outcomes set the bracket for the upcoming NWSL playoffs, with Gotham entering as the top seed.


