# 2026 NWSL Playoffs: Schedule, Bracket and Expert Predictions
The 2026 NWSL playoffs begin this weekend, with eight teams competing for the championship in Washington, D.C. The field includes three former champions and several clubs chasing their first NWSL title.
Gotham FC enters as the NWSL Shield winner and a leading contender to claim the championship. The club is aiming to become the first team to win both the Shield and title in the same season since the Orlando Pride in 2024. Gotham also has a chance to become the first back-to-back NWSL champion since the North Carolina Courage won consecutive titles in 2018 and 2019.
San Diego Wave is another major threat. The club pushed Gotham in the Shield race until the final day of the regular season and now faces the Utah Royals, who are making their postseason debut. Other headline matchups include Kansas City Current against Angel City FC and a meeting between former champions Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns.
## 2026 NWSL Playoff Schedule
All times are Eastern. The quarterfinal winners advance to the semifinals, scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 14 and 15. The NWSL Championship is set for Nov. 22.
### Quarterfinals
– **Friday, Nov. 6:** San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals, 10 p.m. (Prime Video)
– **Saturday, Nov. 7:** Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC, noon (CBS and Paramount+)
– **Sunday, Nov. 8:** Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign, 12:30 p.m. (ABC)
– **Sunday, Nov. 8:** Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns, 3 p.m. (ABC)
### Semifinals
– **Weekend of Nov. 14–15:** Gotham FC or Seattle Reign vs. Kansas City Current or Angel City FC
– **Weekend of Nov. 14–15:** San Diego Wave or Utah Royals vs. Washington Spirit or Portland Thorns
Match times have not yet been announced.
### NWSL Championship
– **Saturday, Nov. 22:** Teams to be determined, 8 p.m. (CBS and Paramount+)
## Key NWSL Playoff Matchups to Watch
### Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign
Gotham begins its title defense against Seattle after earning its first NWSL Shield. The reigning champions will be under pressure to turn regular-season success into another championship, while Seattle has the opportunity to make an early statement by knocking out the top contender.
### Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC
This quarterfinal could be one of the most competitive games of the opening round. Kansas City enters with championship expectations, but Angel City has surged late in the season and could play spoiler. The Los Angeles side’s late-season form, including the contributions of U.S. women’s national team hopeful Ally Sentnor, makes this matchup especially intriguing.
### Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns
Two of the league’s former champions meet in one of the weekend’s marquee games. With both teams familiar with the pressure of postseason soccer, the winner will emerge as a serious threat in the championship race.
### San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals
San Diego came close to winning the Shield and now faces a Utah team reaching the NWSL playoffs for the first time. The Wave will look to use its regular-season momentum, while the Royals will try to make their postseason debut memorable.
## NWSL Playoff Expert Predictions
Expert picks have shifted since the start of the season. In early predictions, four of six experts selected Kansas City Current to win the championship, while two chose Washington Spirit. Picks for the Shield were more varied, with Gotham FC, Washington, Orlando Pride and Kansas City all receiving support.
For the playoffs, many of the Attacking Third analysts and CBS Sports editorial team members are backing San Diego Wave to win the championship. Other experts predict Gotham FC will add the NWSL title to its Shield, while Kansas City Current is also represented among the championship picks.
The range of predictions reflects how open the postseason appears. Gotham has the Shield and championship experience, San Diego nearly finished atop the standings, and Kansas City remains a popular title contender. Angel City could also disrupt the bracket after its late-season run.
## What to Expect From the 2026 NWSL Bracket
The first round features a mix of established contenders and teams looking to make a breakthrough. Gotham’s title defense, San Diego’s pursuit of a first championship and the clash between Washington and Portland give the bracket several compelling storylines.
With single-game matchups and a championship on the line, one upset could quickly reshape the NWSL playoff picture. The quarterfinals will determine which four clubs advance to the semifinals and remain in contention for the 2026 NWSL Championship.