The NWSL playoffs 2026 bracket is set. On Decision Day, Sunday, Nov. 1, Gotham FC beat the Utah Royals 2 to 0 to win the NWSL Shield for the first time in club history.

The Shield goes to the team with the best regular season record. Gotham finished with 61 points. Guro Reiten scored in the 9th minute, Jaedyn Shaw added a late goal, and Midge Purce helped create both.

Why it matters: Gotham is the reigning NWSL champion. Now the club gets the top seed and home field as it chases a second straight title.

The San Diego Wave finished just behind, in second place with 58 points. Mimi Van Zanten scored early in a 1 to 0 win at Bay FC, which locked up a home quarterfinal. The Wave also set a club record with 45 regular season goals.

The Seattle Reign grabbed the eighth and final spot with a 1 to 0 win over the Orlando Pride, so Jess Fishlock’s story keeps going. The Reign legend is retiring after this season, and Sunday was her final home match. Utah, meanwhile, is headed to the playoffs for the first time in club history.

Here is the NWSL quarterfinal schedule:

Friday, Nov. 6: No. 2 San Diego Wave vs. No. 7 Utah Royals, 7 p.m. PT at Snapdragon Stadium (Prime Video)
Saturday, Nov. 7: No. 4 Kansas City Current vs. No. 5 Angel City FC, 9 a.m. PT (CBS)
Sunday, Nov. 8: No. 1 Gotham FC vs. No. 8 Seattle Reign, 9:30 a.m. PT (ABC)
Sunday, Nov. 8: No. 3 Washington Spirit vs. No. 6 Portland Thorns, noon PT at Audi Field (ABC)

The semifinals follow Nov. 13 to 15. The NWSL Championship is Nov. 21 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C.