The 2026 NWSL regular season came to an end over the weekend with eight teams advancing to the playoffs. Gotham FC has already earned the shield and look to complete the double by lifting the league championship.
Which team will be the one left standing with the trophy? Let's take a look at which teams fit best into playoff superlatives.
No. 2 San Diego Wave– Quarterfinal vs Utah Royals
xG generated: Fourth-most at 51.9 | Goals scored: Sixth-most with 45
xG conceded: Fewest at 30.0 | Goals conceded: Third-fewest with 31
San Diego is in the midst of a seven-game unbeaten streak and arguably the most balanced team in the league.
Led by captain Kennedy Wesley, the Wave is incredibly difficult to breakdown defensively with their elite backline.
After a 2025 season where they struggled to find a reliable goalscorer, Trinity Byars has become just that with 11. Alongside the most talented young core in the league with players such as Melanie Barcenas, Mimi Van Zanten, Lia Godfrey, Kimmi Ascanio, Jonas Eidevall's side will be one of the most popular picks to win it all.
The winner of Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC quarterfinal
Kansas City is currently riding a five-match win streak and Angel City FC is unbeaten in their last 10 games.
This first round matchup has the potential to be a classic filled with tons of fireworks as both teams lead the NWSL with 54 goals scored. KC Current has the top xG differential with ACFC third.
How evenly matched are the two? Each have three players who have eight or more goals.
The potential tiebreaker? CPKC Stadium has witnessed a league-record 32 game regular season unbeaten streak. However, they were defeated at home in last year's quarterfinals to eventual 2025 champions, Gotham.
No. 1 Gotham FC– Quarterfinal vs Seattle Reign
xG generated: Seventh-most at 48.5 | Goals scored: Tied for sixth-fewest with 39
xG conceded: Fourth-fewest at 39.1 | Goals conceded: Fewest with 23
Should the NWSL Shield winners be listed as a favorite? Yes, but they're facing even more adversity now.
Midfielder Jaelin Howell was substituted in the 22nd minute of the season finale. If she were to miss any time, it would one heavily felt as she is irreplaceable. The Bats did see the return of Rose Lavelle and Jaedyn Shaw as second-half subs, but will they be available for starts in the playoffs?
With an NWSL-record 14 clean sheets, Gotham is powered by a historically great defense led by a tremendous backline and Goalkeeper of the Year frontrunner, Ann-Katrin Berger.
The only weakness is in attack where they scored the seventh fewest at 39 goals. Especially if Shaw (11 goals) isn't fully-healthy it could make the difference.
No. 3 Washington Spirit– Quarterfinal vs Portland Thorns
xG generated: Eighth-most at 47.3 | Goals scored: Eighth-most with 43
xG conceded: Second-fewest at 34.8 | Goals conceded: Second-fewest with 28
Anchored by a dominant backline with Tara Rudd, Esme Morgan, and Gabrielle Carle, the second-ranked defense has suffocated opposing attacks.
Although their attack has been in the middle of the pack, Trinity Rodman has had a career season with 20 goal contributions (12 goals and eight assists).
And now, they'll have to go on without midfielder Hal Hershfelt who was placed on the season-ending injury list adding to a tough season for the team's health.
Recently, the Washington Spirit dropped five of six matches at home. Since then, they've responded with two consecutive wins at Audi Field. Which home team will show up in the quarterfinals?
No. 6 Portland Thorns– Quarterfinal at Washington Spirit
xG generated: Sixth-most at 48.7 | Goals scored: Fifth-most with 50
xG conceded: Fifth-most at 47.9 | Goals conceded: Ninth-most with 41
The Portland Thorns have the top remaining goalscorer in the playoffs with Sophia Wilson. The forward made a grand return to the NWSL with 20 goal contributions (15 goals and five assists). When you have a player of this caliber, there's always a chance to create playoff magic.
Pietra Tordin has also had a career-season with 17 goal contributions (eight goals and nine assists) playing all four attacking spots, and forms one of the best duos with Wilson.
They also boast a solid record against playoff teams at 5-5-4.
PTFC has the worst xG differential for the eight playoff teams, can the attack carry the load?
No. 7 Utah Royals– Quarterfinal at San Diego Wave
xG generated: Seventh-fewest at 45.2 | Goals scored: Seventh-most with 44
xG conceded: Seventh-fewest at 42.2 | Goals conceded: Tied for sixth-fewest with 39
The Utah Royals qualified for their first ever NWSL playoffs. Instead of their trademark strong second half, they are on a four-match winless streak to end the regular season.
Utah is led by attackers Cloé Lacasse with 18 goal contributions (eight goals and 10 assists) and Mina Tanka with 14 goal contributions (nine goals and five assists). The Royals are the only team without a double-digit goalscorer in the playoffs.
Defensively, three-time Iron Woman Kate Del Fava is coming off another terrific season, highlighted by her first appearance for the USWNT.
The main concern? A 3-8-3 record against playoff teams.
No. 8 Seattle Reign– Quarterfinal at Gotham FC
xG generated: Fourth-fewest at 43.4 | Goals scored: Third-fewest with 37
xG conceded: Sixth-fewest at 40.9 | Goals conceded: Tied for sixth-fewest with 39
NWSL legend Jess Fishlock is guaranteed at least one more match.
Laura Harvey's side is anchored by a strong defense, but the attack has lagged behind scoring the third-fewest in the league and least among playoff teams. Who will step up alongside Maddie Mercado?
The Seattle Reign will also have to overcome their 4-7-3 record against playoff teams…
