2026 NWSL Playoff Semifinal Matchups, Schedule, Dates, Kickoff time, How to watch
The 2026 NWSL playoffs are moving toward the semifinal round, with two teams already securing their places in the final four. Utah Royals FC and Kansas City Current advanced after winning their quarterfinal matches on November 6 and 7.
Two quarterfinals remain on Sunday, November 8. Gotham FC face Seattle Reign FC, while Washington Spirit take on Portland Thorns FC. The results will complete the semifinal bracket for the 2026 NWSL Championship.
The semifinals are scheduled for November 13-15, with the higher-seeded team hosting each match.
2026 NWSL Semifinal Bracket
The NWSL does not reseed teams after the quarterfinals. The semifinal matchups follow the original playoff bracket, with the higher-seeded team earning home-field advantage.
Semifinal 1: Kansas City Current vs. Gotham FC or Seattle Reign FC
No. 4 Kansas City Current will face the winner of the Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign FC quarterfinal.
If No. 1 Gotham FC advances, Gotham will host the semifinal.
If No. 8 Seattle Reign FC advances, Kansas City will host.
Semifinal 2: Utah Royals FC vs. Washington Spirit or Portland Thorns FC
No. 7 Utah Royals FC will meet the winner of the Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns FC quarterfinal.
If Washington advances, the Spirit will host.
If Portland advances, the Thorns will host.
Both Washington and Portland hold higher seeds than Utah.
2026 NWSL Semifinal Schedule
The semifinal round is scheduled for November 13-15. The exact match dates and kickoff times will depend on the completed quarterfinal bracket and the league's official schedule.
Semifinal 1: Kansas City Current vs. Gotham FC or Seattle Reign FC.
Semifinal 2: Utah Royals FC vs. Washington Spirit or Portland Thorns FC.
The two semifinal winners will advance to the 2026 NWSL Championship final on November 22.
2026 NWSL Playoff Quarterfinal Results
Two quarterfinal matches have been completed.
November 6: No. 7 Utah Royals FC 1-0 No. 2 San Diego Wave FC. Kiana Palacios scored the winning goal in the 30th minute, giving Utah its first playoff victory in club history.
November 7: No. 4 Kansas City Current 1-0 No. 5 Angel City FC (AET). Michelle Cooper scored from the penalty spot in the 96th minute to send Kansas City into the semifinals.
Utah eliminated second-seeded San Diego, while Kansas City moved forward after an extra-time victory over Angel City.
Remaining 2026 NWSL Quarterfinal Schedule
The final two quarterfinal matches take place Sunday, November 8.
November 8: No. 1 Gotham FC vs. No. 8 Seattle Reign FC, 12:30 p.m. ET.
November 8: No. 3 Washington Spirit vs. No. 6 Portland Thorns FC, 3:00 p.m. ET.
The winners will join Kansas City and Utah in the semifinal round.
How to Follow the 2026 NWSL Playoff Bracket
You can follow the latest results, confirmed matchups and schedule updates through the official NWSL playoffs page and the ESPN NWSL schedule.
Official NWSL Playoffs: https://www.nwslsoccer.com/playoffs
ESPN NWSL Schedule: https://www.espn.com/soccer/schedule/_/league/usa.nwsl
Frequently Asked Questions
Which teams have qualified for the 2026 NWSL semifinals?
Kansas City Current and Utah Royals FC have secured semifinal places after winning their quarterfinal matches.
Who did Utah Royals FC beat in the quarterfinals?
Utah defeated No. 2 San Diego Wave FC 1-0 on November 6. Kiana Palacios scored the only goal.
How did Kansas City Current reach the semifinals?
Kansas City defeated Angel City FC 1-0 after extra time. Michelle Cooper converted a 96th-minute penalty.
Who could Kansas City Current face in the semifinals?
Kansas City will face either Gotham FC or Seattle Reign FC. The hosting team depends on which club wins their quarterfinal.
Who could Utah Royals FC face in the semifinals?
Utah will play either Washington Spirit or Portland Thorns FC. The winner of that quarterfinal will host the semifinal.
When are the 2026 NWSL semifinals?
The semifinals are scheduled for November 13-15, 2026. Exact kickoff times and match dates remain subject to the official schedule.
When is the 2026 NWSL Championship final?
The championship final is scheduled for November 22, 2026.
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