All you need to know about the NWSL Playoffs, including dates, format and qualification.
Gotham FC historically defeated the Washington Spirt in the 2025 NWSL Championship, becoming the first eighth-seeded team in league history to both reach and win the NWSL Championship.
Gotham initially upset the NWSL Shield winning Kansas City Current in the quarterfinals, before knocking out the Orlando Pride in the semifinals to reach the Championship game. Gotham then beat the Spirit 1-0 in the finals, thanks to an 80th minute goal from USWNT star Rose Lavelle.
Every NWSL Champion by Year.
2026 NWSL Playoff Dates
The 2026 NWSL Playoffs begin on November 6th, and conclude on Saturday, November 21, 2026.
The Championship game will be held at Audi Field in Washington D.C..
Stage | Date(s) |
Quarterfinals | November 6-8, 2026 |
Semifinals | November 13-1, 2026 |
NWSL Championship | Saturday, November 21, 2026 |
NWSL Playoffs Format
The NWSL Playoffs are a single-elimination tournament with no byes, featuring four quarterfinal matches, two semifinals, and the NWSL Championship.
Higher seeded teams host the quarterfinal and semifinal matches, while the Championship game is played at a pre-determined location.
How do teams qualify for the NWSL Playoffs?
The top-8 teams in during the NWSL regular season automatically qualify for the NWSL playoffs, and are seeded 1 through 8.
Seeding is determined by the amount of points gained in the regular season. A win equals three points, a draw equals one point, and a loss is zero points. Tiebreakers include goal difference, and goals scored.
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