The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs start Friday, Nov. 6. Eight teams made it through the regular season, and they’ll now try to keep their title hopes alive as the year winds down.
Here’s a look at the four quarterfinals and how they might play out.
San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals
San Diego enters the postseason as a favorite, and for good reason. The Wave have looked sharper this season, combining a solid defense with confident possession and crisp passing. They can work through a packed defense, but they’re also dangerous when they break quickly.
Roster availability may help, too. San Diego appears to have more players ready for this match, while several key Royals, including Cece Delzer, Narumi Miura and Mina Tanaka, are questionable.
Utah can make life difficult with an aggressive press and a compact defensive shape. The Royals are also a threat on set pieces. Still, San Diego seem to have the tools to find a way through. Their ability to keep the ball without giving up too much at the back could decide it.
Prediction: San Diego advances.
Kansas City Current vs. Angel City
This could be the quarterfinal that draws the most attention. Kansas City’s attack is dangerous, especially in transition, and the Current have been unbeaten at home. They’ll be favored as the No. 4 seed.
Angel City, though, arrive with plenty of confidence after going 10 matches without a loss. Their pressing has been strong, and a more organized midfield could help them contain Temwa Chawinga and the rest of Kansas City’s attack.
There are risks for Angel City. When they leave too much room behind or try a risky pass, they can be caught out on the counter. But if they can disrupt the Current through pressure in midfield, an upset feels possible. Kansas City may have the edge, though this one could go either way.
Prediction: Angel City advances.
Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign
On paper, this matchup could get away from Seattle. Gotham have a strong defense, depth across the squad and home-field advantage. They also won the 2026 NWSL Shield and beat the Reign twice during the regular season.
Seattle are used to defending deep and keeping games close. They lost both meetings with Gotham, but scored twice in one of them, which should offer at least a little encouragement heading into the playoffs.
The Reign will be without Maddie Dahlien, and they’ll need a major effort from Jess Fishlock. After 14 seasons in Seattle, she’s been the player who can make something happen when it seems unlikely. If this is her last postseason run, she’ll surely give it everything—but Gotham still look like the safer pick.
Prediction: Gotham advances.
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns
Washington may look stronger on paper, but their form late in the season has been uneven. Departures and injuries have also taken a toll, with Hal Hershfelt the latest concern.
The Spirit have had trouble moving the ball through the middle at times. Even so, they have players who can change a match in a moment. Leicy Santos is back after nearly two months out, and Trinity Rodman remains a major threat. Washington’s defensive structure is also a stronger point than Portland’s.
The Thorns have their own issues. Their defense has been vulnerable, and their pressing hasn’t always been convincing. They’ve also lost some creativity in midfield since Olivia Moultrie’s injury.
But Portland have Sophia Wilson, who can decide a game on her own. Kaiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver and Marie Müller can all threaten from distance, while Jessie Fleming has formed a promising midfield partnership with Nina Nijstad. It’s not an easy call, but Portland could have just enough going forward.
Prediction: Portland advances.
