8 teams enter NWSL playoffs after tight regular season

The National Women's Soccer League expanded to 16 teams in 2026, adding clubs in Boston and Denver while implementing a 30-game schedule and a midseason break for the men's World Cup. The postseason begins this weekend with eight quarterfinalists competing for the championship in Washington, D.C.

The final playoff berth remained undecided until the closing minutes of Decision Day. The Seattle Reign defeated the Orlando Pride 1-0, a result that eliminated both the North Carolina Courage and the Denver Summit from contention. The eight remaining teams include Gotham FC, which won the NWSL Shield as the top regular season finisher, and the Utah Royals, which are making their playoff debut.

San Diego Wave FC enters the tournament as the No. 2 seed after finishing just behind Gotham in the standings. The Wave are on a seven-match unbeaten run. CBS Sports analyst Sandra Herrera identified San Diego as the leading candidate to win the title. Herrera noted that the club achieved a new franchise record for wins and total points during the regular season.

Head coach Jonas Eidevall guided San Diego from a lower seed in his first year to a top contender in his second. The squad features 35-year-old midfielder Kenza Dali, who was named the underdog MVP of the year. Dali helped mentor Kimmi Ascanio, Melanie Barcenas, and Gia Corley. Rookie outside back Mimi Van Zanten started every match alongside centerbacks Kennedy Wesley and Kristen McNabb.

Rookie Lia Godfrey contributed six goals and six assists for San Diego. Trinity Byars scored 11 goals in her sophomore season after recovering from an ACL injury. The league's championship match will occur within three weekends, concluding the postseason in the nation's capital.

The weekend also features major matches in European leagues before the November international break. Inter hosts Como at San Siro on Sunday. Como arrives following a 9-1 Champions League victory at Lens. Inter lost to AC Milan in the Derby della Madonnina last weekend but won away at Feyenoord.

Other scheduled matches include Manchester United hosting Aston Villa, Leeds playing Tottenham, and Liverpool facing Arsenal. The NWSL quarterfinals open Friday with Kansas City Current playing Angel City FC. Gotham FC will face the Utah Royals on Sunday.