The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs begin Friday, November 6. The top eight teams from the regular season have qualified for the postseason and are looking for glory through the calendar month of December.
Who is advancing? We predict all four quarter finals.
San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals
The Wave enter the playoffs as clear favorites after taking their game to another level this season. San Diego thrives defensively with the ball at their feet. Their passes are also excellent. If the opponent presents a low block, he can break it and also attack in quick transitions.
Plus, after looking at the availability of teams for this matchup, San Diego has a much healthier roster that gives them a slight advantage over the Kings.
In Utah’s case, they tend to press aggressively and can be dangerous in set pieces. The Royals can also be a very frustrating team to play against because they are capable of defending compactly.
The problem for Utah is that the Wave have the right tools to tear them apart. Added to that is the fact that many of their key players, Cece Delzer, Narumi Miura and Mina Tanaka, are doubtful for the quarterfinals.
San Diego’s ability to control the ball without faltering on defense will be the difference maker.
Prediction: San Diego advances
Kansas City Current vs Angel City
This is perhaps the most anticipated match in the 1/4 finals.
In one corner is the dangerous attack of the Kansas City Stream. Given his strength in transition and unbeaten record at home, the No. 4 is favored to come into the game.
Angel City, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence after a 10-match unbeaten streak. Their aggressive pressing and improved midfield organization gives them confidence that they can stop Temwa Chawinga and co.
If Angel City loses, it will come down to their weakness on quick counters as they have too much space to exploit or play risky passes that can lead to dangerous turnovers. If they manage to escape the CPKC Stadium unscathed, it may be because they unsettle the home team with effective pressure in midfield.
While Kansas has the upper hand, both teams have the weapons to hurt each other. However, this game has the potential to be an upset.
Prediction: Angel City advances
Gotham FC and Seattle Reign
This 1/4 final has all the possibilities for an unequal result.
Gotham boasts a strong defensive record, lineup depth, strong home record and home advantage. Not to mention, the 2026 NWSL Shield winners have already beaten Seattle twice this year.
Seattle is certainly comfortable defending deep and can make games difficult and low-scoring. Despite losing both regular season games, the Reign scored two goals in one, which should have given the team confidence in the playoff atmosphere.
However, Seattle won’t be able to rely on Maddie Dahlien for this tough game. During his 14 seasons in Seattle, Jess Fishlock, who carried his team many times and made the impossible happen. In potentially her last dance, she will give everything she has and more to get Reign to the semifinals. The question is, will it be enough?
Prediction: Gotham is moving forward
Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns
Washington may be the better side on paper, but their late-season form has been inconsistent. They also had to deal with departures and injuries to late Hal Hershfelt.
On the field, they can fight to get the ball forward through the central sections. However, the Spirit still have big players who can decide games instantly. Among them are Leycy Santos, who is back after almost two months, and of course, Trinity Rodman. The team’s defensive structure is also better than Portland’s.
What about Thorns? Their weakest point is defense. They also featured limited pressing and counter-pressing, plus a drop in midfield creativity after Olivia Moultrie was injured.
However, there is Sophia Wilson who can decide the matches herself. In addition, they have several attacking figures who can shoot from long range, such as Kaiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver or Marie Müller. Another strength is Jessie Fleming in midfield, who works quite well with Nina Nijstad.
Prediction: Portland advances