2026 NWSL Playoffs Schedule: Bracket, Dates, TV Channels, How to Watch

NWSL Playoffs 2026 bracket: schedule, scores, results, date, start-times, live stream, how to watch..

The 2026 NWSL Playoffs will begin in November with eight teams competing in a single-elimination tournament.

The postseason starts with the quarterfinals from November 6-8, followed by the semifinals from November 13-15. The season concludes with the NWSL Championship on Saturday, November 21, at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.

The final playoff field and matchups will be confirmed after Decision Day on November 1.

2026 NWSL playoffs Bracket: Seeding, Latest Standing

2026 NWSL Playoff Standings

Teams Above the Playoff Line

1. NJ/NY Gotham FC – 51 points, Clinched

2. San Diego Wave FC – 48 points, Strong Contender

3. Washington Spirit – 46 points, Clinched

4. Utah Royals FC – 42 points, In Playoff Position

5. Portland Thorns FC – 42 points, In Playoff Position

6. Angel City FC – 39 points, In Playoff Position

7. North Carolina Courage – 39 points, In Playoff Position

8. Kansas City Current – 38 points, Clinched

NWSL playoffs 2026 Scores: TV Schedule, Start times and streaming, results

2026 NWSL Quarterfinal Matchups

The quarterfinal bracket is set up as follows:

• No. 1 vs. No. 8

• No. 2 vs. No. 7

• No. 3 vs. No. 6

• No. 4 vs. No. 5

The quarterfinals will be played from November 6-8.

The bracket does not reseed after the quarterfinals.

The winner of the No. 1 vs. No. 8 matchup will face the winner of No. 4 vs. No. 5 in one semifinal.

The winner of No. 2 vs. No. 7 will face the winner of No. 3 vs. No. 6 in the other semifinal.

NWSL Semifinal Schedule

The semifinals are scheduled for November 13-15.

Quarterfinal winners will advance directly into the semifinal round. The higher seed normally hosts semifinal matches unless venue availability requires a change.

When is the 2026 NWSL championship game, date, time, TV channel, streaming

The 2026 NWSL Championship is scheduled for:

Date: Saturday, November 21

Time: 8:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.

TV: CBS

Streaming: Paramount+

The Championship will be played at a predetermined neutral venue rather than at the home stadium of either finalist.

NWSL Playoffs 2026: Postseason format, how it works.

2026 NWSL Playoff Bracket Structure

Bracket Half A

• No. 1 vs. No. 8

• No. 4 vs. No. 5

• Winners meet in the semifinal

Bracket Half B

• No. 2 vs. No. 7

• No. 3 vs. No. 6

• Winners meet in the semifinal

All eight playoff teams compete in the quarterfinals. There are no byes.

Seeds 1 through 4 typically host their quarterfinal matches, while seeds 5 through 8 begin the postseason on the road.

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