San Diego and Gotham Lead a Wide-Open NWSL Playoff Race

The 2026 NWSL postseason opens with a single-elimination path through the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship game. The eight-team field includes regular-season shield winner Gotham FC, second-seeded San Diego Wave, Washington Spirit, Kansas City Current, Angel City, Portland Thorns, Seattle Reign and Utah Royals.

San Diego enters among the leading contenders after finishing the regular season 8-1-1 over its final 10 matches. The Wave missed the shield by three points but have found strong form, with Trinity Byars contributing after the summer break. They host Utah, which has won just once in its past five games and has midfield injury concerns.

Gotham has the experience and the top seed, but injuries and midseason departures have weakened its lineup. The defending champions could also be without Jaelin Howell, who left the final regular-season match with an ankle issue. Their quarterfinal opponent is Seattle, which clinched the last playoff place on the final day.

Kansas City, seeded fourth, is unbeaten at home this season and has several key players available together. Angel City arrives on a 10-game unbeaten streak and has lost only twice in 19 matches since a coaching change, but faces a difficult trip to Kansas City. Washington has Trinity Rodman in top form, though midfielder Hal Hershfelt is out for the season with an ACL injury.

The postseason has often produced upsets: in both 2023 and 2025, Gotham won the title as the lowest seed. This year’s tight field and contrasting form leave the championship race open.