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Only two matches remain before the 2026 NWSL Championship, with four clubs still competing for the trophy.
Defending titleholders Gotham FC stay alive after narrowly defeating Seattle Reign, joined in the semi-finals by Washington Spirit, Kansas City Current, and Utah Royals.
Now that the semi-finalists are set, a pair of compelling clashes is scheduled for November 14 and 15 to determine who advances to the final in Washington.
The Road to the Semi-Finals
Action in the 2026 NWSL postseason kicked off last weekend, as the league’s top eight squads fought for semi-final berths after a regular campaign dominated by Gotham FC.
Finishing atop the table, the titleholders captured their inaugural NWSL Shield to lock up the top seed, accompanied into the postseason by Washington Spirit, San Diego Wave, Kansas City Current, Angel City, Portland Thorns, Utah Royals, and Seattle Reign.
ONWARD TO SEMIFINALS 🔜
More here: // NWSL Playoffs pres. by Google Pixel https://t.co/Y8hQnB9bVjNovember 9, 2026
Single-goal margins decided each of the initial three quarter-final encounters. Delivering the round’s major shock, Utah Royals edged second-seeded San Diego Wave 1-0 to earn their first playoff win in franchise history.
Kansas City Current similarly advanced via a slim margin, as Michelle Cooper successfully took an extra-time penalty kick to claim a 1-0 triumph over Angel City.
A lone goal likewise proved sufficient for Gotham against Seattle Reign, courtesy of an early Jordyn Bugg own goal that decided the contest.
Meanwhile, Washington Spirit produced the most dominant display of the quarter-finals, dismantling Portland Thorns 4-1. Trinity Rodman netted two goals, while Clara Luvanga recorded one goal alongside a pair of assists.
With the final four set, Washington will welcome Utah on November 14, followed by Gotham taking on Kansas City a day later. The two advancing teams will square off for the title at Audi Field on November 21.
Key Players to Watch
Gotham FC – Jaedyn Shaw
Shaw has established herself as a vital offensive weapon for Gotham this year, topping the squad’s charts with 11 goals and five assists. The 21-year-old attacker possesses the ability to unlock games through her clever movement, ball control, and finishing ability. After coming back from injury to feature in the starting eleven against Seattle, her presence and conditioning will be crucial in Gotham’s title defense.
Kansas City Current – Croix Bethune
Although Temwa Chawinga frequently draws national attention, Bethune has experienced a phenomenal campaign with Kansas City, establishing a new single-season NWSL record by providing 11 assists. The midfielder’s vision and capacity to dismantle defensive blocks will prove essential against a Gotham defense that allowed a mere 23 goals in regular play. Paired alongside two-time MVP Chawinga, Kansas City boasts a truly formidable front line.
Washington Spirit – Trinity Rodman
Rodman has served as the linchpin of Washington’s formidable campaign, setting personal bests with 12 goals and eight assists during regular season play. The attacker seamlessly brought that momentum into the postseason, finding the net twice and setting up another goal in their 4-1 win against Portland. As an NWSL MVP finalist, she represents the primary defensive concern for Utah to mitigate.
Utah Royals – Cloé Lacasse
Lacasse stands out as one of Utah’s primary contributors this year, generating eight goals alongside 10 assists over the course of the regular season. Her knack for creating scoring opportunities and finishing them herself remains essential for extending the Royals’ surprising postseason run. The 33-year-old veteran proved instrumental in defeating second-seeded San Diego Wave by setting up Kiana Palacios’ game-winner, and Utah will count on her to orchestrate another upset versus Washington Spirit.
NWSL Championship Semi-Final Forecasts
Forecast: Washington Spirit 3-1 Utah Royals
Utah demonstrated their resilience by knocking off second-seeded San Diego Wave on the road. Their disciplined defensive structure and clinical finishing render them a hazardous threat.
Even so, Washington enters with immense momentum following their decisive quarter-final win over Portland. Supported by an energized Audi Field crowd and driven by Trinity Rodman’s sensational form, Spirit should possess ample firepower to secure a spot in the Championship final—which will likewise take place on their home pitch at Audi Field.
Forecast: Gotham FC 1-2 Kansas City Current
Though reigning champions Gotham registered the league’s sturdiest defense in regular season action—surrendering only 23 goals across 30 games—Kansas City features an offensive setup capable of unsettling any backline.
Bethune’s playmaking combined with Chawinga’s goal-scoring prowess will heavily test Gotham’s defensive line, while Kansas City’s diverse scoring options make them uniquely challenging to manage. Although Gotham’s championship pedigree remains a major factor, Kansas City possesses the firepower required to derail the titleholders’ quest for consecutive trophies.
