The 2026 NWSL regular season concluded on Decision Day with all 16 teams playing simultaneously, determining the NWSL Shield winner, the final playoff spot, and home-field advantages for the postseason.
Final standings and playoff bracket
Gotham FC secured their first NWSL Shield with a 2-0 victory over Utah Royals, finishing atop the table. San Diego Wave claimed second place with a 1-0 win at Bay FC. Seattle Reign clinched the eighth and final playoff berth with a 1-0 win over Orlando Pride. Other results: Kansas City Current 2-0 Racing Louisville, Washington Spirit 2-0 Chicago Stars, Angel City 4-1 Boston Legacy, North Carolina Courage 1-1 Denver Summit, Portland Thorns 2-0 Houston Dash.
Playoff schedule
The quarterfinals begin November 6: San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals (10 p.m.), November 7: Kansas City Current vs. Angel City (12 p.m.), November 8: Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign (12:30 p.m.), Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns (3 p.m.). The championship is set for November 21 on CBS.
Key takeaways
Gotham FC capped a historic season, winning the Shield after previously capturing championships as the eighth seed. The team overcame late-season injuries to defenders Bruninha and rookie Jordynn Dudley, while midfielder Jaelin Howell left the final match with an ankle injury. The return of Jaedyn Shaw and Rose Lavelle from injury bolstered the squad.
Seattle Reign's playoff berth came via a defensive 1-0 win, highlighted by a set-piece goal from center back Jordyn Bugg in a match honoring veteran Jess Fishlock. San Diego Wave, Angel City, and Kansas City Current enter the playoffs on hot streaks, each unbeaten in their last five matches with the Current on a five-game winning streak.
