The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) playoffs begin this weekend with eight quarterfinalists competing for the title. The league expanded to 16 teams in 2026, adding Boston and Denver, and the final playoff spot was decided on the last day of the regular season when Seattle Reign edged Orlando Pride 1-0.
Key quarterfinal matches include Kansas City Current versus Angel City FC on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, and Gotham FC versus Utah Royals on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET. Gotham FC, last year's eighth-seeded champions, enter as first-time NWSL Shield winners, while Utah Royals make their playoff debut.
Analyst Sandra Herrera identifies San Diego Wave as top contenders after a record-setting regular season. The Wave finished second in the Shield race, boast a seven-match unbeaten run, and are led by midfielder Kenza Dali and rookies Mimi Van Zanten and Lia Godfrey. Coach Jonas Eidevall has guided the team to a No. 2 seed in his second year.
The weekend also features major European fixtures: Inter Milan host Como on Sunday at 12 p.m. ET, and Manchester United welcome Aston Villa at 11:30 a.m. ET, both ahead of the November international break.
