The 2026 NWSL playoffs begin Friday with the league's top eight teams competing in the quarterfinal rounds. A special postseason edition of the power rankings evaluates each club's form, injuries, and championship potential.
8. Utah Royals FC – The Royals make their first playoff appearance in club history under head coach Jimmy Coenraets. Defensive standout Kate Del Fava anchors a backline supported by Kaleigh Riehl, Nuria Rabano, and Paige Cronin alongside goalkeeper Mandy McGlynn. However, Utah enters on a poor run with just one win in their last five matches, compounded by midfield injuries to Mina Tanaka (hamstring) and Narumi Miura (thigh).
7. Seattle Reign FC – Seattle clinched the final playoff spot on the last day of the regular season during Jess Fishlock's farewell home game. The team leans heavily on defense, led by goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, centerback Jordyn Bugg, and all-time assists leader Sofia Huerta. Offensive production remains a question mark, with Sam Meza dictating midfield and Maddie Mercado or Mia Fishel needed to elevate the attack.
6. Portland Thorns – A healthy, in-form Sophia Wilson gives Portland a potent weapon. First-year head coach Robert Vilahamn navigated injuries to Sam Coffey (departed), Olivia Moultrie (season-ending), Reilyn Turner, Morgan Weaver, and M.A. Vignola. Defensive midfielder Jessie Fleming has been the team's iron woman, holding the squad together.
5. Washington Spirit – Motivation runs high after two consecutive NWSL Championship final losses, with the 2026 final set for Audi Field. Trinity Rodman leads the attack with 12 goals. The Spirit integrate returning players from maternity leave and new signings like Algerian midfielder Melissa Bethi and forward Clara Lavunga. With Hal Hershfelt out for the season, Andi Sullivan and Leicy Santos must control midfield, while Esme Morgan and Gabrielle Carle anchor the defense.
4. Angel City FC – Angel City enters as the form team on a 10-game unbeaten streak under interim coach Leif Gunnar Smerud. Scoring is distributed among Sveindis Jonsdottir (10 goals), Maiara Niehues (9), Taylor Suarez, Prisca Chilufya, and midseason acquisition Ally Sentnor. Defensively, outside backs Evelyn Shores and Gisele Thompson have elevated their play, while centerbacks Emily Sams and Sarah Gorden protect goalkeeper Angelina Anderson.
3. Kansas City Current – Despite early-season struggles and coaching questions around Chris Armas, Kansas City rebounded behind two-time Golden Boot winner Temwa Chawinga (12 goals) and breakout striker Haley Hopkins (12 goals). The duo helped the Current tie for the league lead in team goals (54). Midfielder Croix Bethune set a single-season assist record (11), and Michelle Cooper added five goals and five assists post-injury. Kansas City hosts Angel City on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET at CPKC Stadium.
2. Gotham FC – The reigning NWSL Shield winners, Challenge Cup champions, and two-time recent titleholders sit second largely due to injury concerns, notably midfielder Jaelin Howell's ankle issue. Jaedyn Shaw's Decision Day goal off the bench is encouraging. The roster remains loaded with Guro Reiten, Sam Kerr, Midge Purce, Rose Lavelle (2023 and 2025 Championship MVPs), centerback Tierna Davidson (defender of the year candidate), and goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. Manager Juan Carlos Amoros's tactical flexibility keeps Gotham a postseason threat.
1. San Diego Wave FC – San Diego produced the best regular season in franchise history, setting records for wins and points, and enters as the No. 2 seed on a seven-match unbeaten run. Coach Jonas Eidevall has maximized a blend of experience and youth. Midfield maestro Kenza Dali (35) mentors rookies Kimmi Ascanio, Melanie Barcenas, Gia Corley, Mimi Van Zanten, and Lia Godfrey (six goals, six assists). Trinity Byars added 11 goals in her sophomore season. Centerbacks Kennedy Wesley and Kristen McNabb provide stability. The Wave loom as the team to beat, either spoiling Gotham's run or facing immense pressure after narrowly missing the Shield.
