The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs kick off on Friday, November 6, as the top eight teams from the regular season battle for the championship. Four quarterfinal matchups will determine which squads advance, and predictions for each game highlight the strengths and vulnerabilities of the contenders.
Quarterfinal Matchups
The first quarterfinal pits the San Diego Wave against the Utah Royals. The Wave enters as the heavy favorite, thanks to their dominant defensive record and fluid passing structure. Their ability to dismantle structured low blocks and exploit transitional opportunities gives them a clear advantage. Utah, meanwhile, relies on aggressive pressing and dangerous set-piece threats, but the Wave’s offensive flexibility should neutralize those risks. Key Utah players, including Cece Delzer, Narumi Miura, and Mina Tanaka, remain unavailable for this matchup, further tilting the balance in San Diego’s favor.
San Diego’s strength lies in maintaining possession while minimizing defensive exposure. With their roster fully healthy, they possess the tools to control the game from start to finish. Utah’s absence of star power in this game removes their most consistent offensive outlets, leaving the Wave with a straightforward path to victory. The Wave’s ability to control possession without becoming vulnerable defensively will be the difference maker, as they can break down Utah’s compact defense and attack in quick transitions.
Contrasting Styles Clash
The second quarterfinal features Kansas City Current facing Angel City, a clash of two teams with contrasting styles. Kansas City’s transition-heavy attack and perfect home record make them the favorites, but Angel City’s recent form—an unbeaten streak in their last ten games—adds uncertainty. The Current’s vulnerability on quick counters and risky midfield passes could be exploited if Angel City’s pressing disrupts their rhythm.
Angel City’s ability to maintain defensive shape under pressure will decide the outcome. If they can force Kansas City into turnovers while limiting their counterattacks, an upset becomes plausible. The Current’s home advantage may not be enough to overcome Angel City’s current momentum. Given their strength in transition and undefeated record at home, Kansas City is favored, but Angel City’s confidence after a 10-match unbeaten streak makes this game potentially unpredictable.
The third quarterfinal matchup between Gotham FC and the Seattle Reign promises a defensive battle, with Gotham holding the edge in squad depth and home-field advantage. The Reign’s absence of Maddie Dahlien, a key playmaker, weakens their attack, while Gotham’s defensive organization has already stifled Seattle twice this season. Seattle’s deep defensive structure may slow Gotham’s offense, but their inability to break down Gotham’s backline could prove decisive.
Veteran Leaders Take Stage
Jess Fishlock will lead Seattle’s effort, but her individual brilliance may not be sufficient against Gotham’s collective strength. The Reign’s reliance on her to create scoring chances leaves them exposed if she is neutralized. Gotham’s ability to absorb pressure while maintaining possession will determine the game’s outcome. With 14 seasons of experience with Seattle, Fishlock has carried her team many times and made the impossible happen, but this might be her last chance to take the Reign to the semifinals.
The final quarterfinal between the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns presents a tactical puzzle. Washington might be the better side on paper, but their late-season form has been inconsistent. They’ve also had to deal with departures and injuries, with Hal Hershfelt the latest. On the pitch, they can struggle to progress the ball through central areas. However, the Spirit still have great players who can decide games in an instant. Among them are Leicy Santos, who’s back after almost two months out, and, of course, Trinity Rodman.
The team’s defensive structure is also better than Portland’s. What about the Thorns? Their weakest area is in defense. They have also shown limited pressing and counter-pressing, plus a reduction in midfield creativity since Olivia Moultrie got injured. Yet, they have Sophia Wilson, who can decide matches herself. Additionally, they have several attacking pieces that can score from long range, such as Kaiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver or Marie Müller. Another strength is Jessie Fleming in the midfield, who has partnered up pretty well with Nina Nijstad.