The 2026 NWSL playoffs begin this weekend with eight teams competing for the championship in Washington, D.C. Defending champions Gotham FC enter as favorites after winning the NWSL Shield for the first time, aiming to become the first team to complete the double since Orlando Pride in 2024 and the first back-to-back champions since North Carolina Courage in 2018-19.
Quarterfinal Schedule
Friday, Nov. 6: San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals (10 p.m. ET, Prime Video). Saturday, Nov. 7: Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC (12 p.m. ET, CBS/Paramount+). Sunday, Nov. 8: Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign (12:30 p.m. ET, ABC) and Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns (3 p.m. ET, ABC). Semifinals are set for the weekend of Nov. 14-15, with the final on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS/Paramount+.
Expert Predictions
Preseason predictions favored Kansas City Current, with four of six analysts picking them to win the title, while two chose Washington Spirit. As the postseason arrives, the consensus has shifted: many analysts now back San Diego Wave to lift the championship, though some still expect Gotham FC to follow their Shield victory with the title. Kansas City Current remains a contender in one bracket.
Angel City FC, powered by a late-season surge from U.S. women's national team hopeful Ally Sentnor, could play spoiler against Kansas City Current in what is considered the most competitive quarterfinal matchup.
