# The NWSL postseason picture
The 2026 NWSL playoffs begin this weekend, with eight teams entering a knockout race for the championship. The expanded league featured 16 clubs, 30 regular-season matches per team, and a midseason break for the men’s World Cup—but the final playoff place still came down to the closing moments of Decision Day.
Seattle Reign secured the last spot with a 1-0 win over Orlando Pride, leaving North Carolina Courage and Denver Summit out of the postseason. The playoff field includes a mix of established contenders and teams making history: Gotham FC won its first NWSL Shield after claiming the championship as the No. 8 seed last season, while Utah Royals are making their playoff debut.
San Diego Wave finished second in the Shield race and enter the postseason on a seven-match unbeaten run. With several teams in strong form, the NWSL quarterfinals promise a compelling start to the title chase.
## San Diego Wave enter as a team to watch
San Diego posted the best regular season in club history, setting franchise records for wins and points. Head coach Jonas Eidevall has helped turn the team from a lower playoff seed into a serious contender, adapting the lineup as injuries and form have changed throughout the season.
The Wave’s approach centers on controlling possession and dictating the match. Midfielder Kenza Dali has been a key leader, while younger players have added depth and energy. Rookie outside back Mimi Van Zanten has become an important starter, and rookie midfielder Lia Godfrey contributed six goals and six assists.
Forward Trinity Byars also made a major impact, scoring 11 goals in her second season after returning from an ACL injury. San Diego’s blend of experience, emerging talent, and recent momentum makes the No. 2 seed one of the most intriguing teams in the NWSL playoffs.
## NWSL playoff matches this weekend
The quarterfinal action begins Saturday, Nov. 7, when Kansas City Current host Angel City FC at noon Eastern. Gotham FC face Utah Royals on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m. Eastern.
Kansas City and Angel City open the weekend’s playoff slate, while Gotham will look to continue its remarkable run against a Utah side making its first postseason appearance. Three weekends from now, one of the eight remaining teams will lift the trophy in Washington, D.C.
## Soccer schedule: Nov. 6–8
NWSL playoff soccer is part of a packed weekend across several major leagues. All times are Eastern.
### Friday, Nov. 6
– Derby County vs. Bolton, EFL Championship — 3 p.m.
### Saturday, Nov. 7
– Leeds vs. Tottenham, Premier League — 6:30 a.m.
– Blackburn vs. West Ham, EFL Championship — 10 a.m.
– Wrexham vs. Wolverhampton, EFL Championship — 10 a.m.
– West Bromwich Albion vs. Millwall, EFL Championship — 10 a.m.
– Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC, NWSL — noon
– AS Roma vs. Sassuolo, Serie A — 2:45 p.m.
– Valencia vs. Real Madrid, La Liga — 3 p.m.
### Sunday, Nov. 8
– Liverpool vs. Arsenal, Women’s Super League — 7 a.m.
– Genoa vs. AC Milan, Serie A — 9 a.m.
– Manchester United vs. Aston Villa, Premier League — 11:30 a.m.
– Inter vs. Como, Serie A — noon
– Fiorentina vs. Juventus, Serie A — 2:45 p.m.
– Gotham FC vs. Utah Royals, NWSL — 5 p.m.
## A major weekend for European soccer, too
The European leagues return for their final weekend of action before the November international break. Sunday’s Serie A schedule includes Inter hosting Como at San Siro. Como arrive after a historic 9-1 Champions League win over Lens, while Inter will look to respond after losing the Derby della Madonnina to AC Milan before beating Feyenoord in Europe.
Manchester United also host Aston Villa at Old Trafford, adding another high-profile fixture to a weekend packed with domestic soccer.
## How to follow soccer coverage
CBS Sports Golazo Network offers soccer news, match highlights, interviews, and analysis throughout the week. Its programming includes *Morning Footy*, *Attacking Third*, *Call It What You Want*, and the daily highlights show *Scoreline*. The channel is available to stream through the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.