Trinity Rodman meets Sophia Wilson in the first round, and Gotham begins their title defense. GOAL breaks down all eight NWSL playoff teams, key players, and quarterfinal predictions.
The 2026 NWSL season included two new franchises, a historic performance from Gotham FC, a disappointing year from Chicago, again, and a breakout campaign from Courage midfielder Ashley Sanchez.
Gotham secure their first Shield, Seattle extend Jess Fishlock’s farewell and Ashley Sanchez claims the Golden Boot as GOAL ranks all 16 teams ahead of the NWSL playoffs.
The league and its players’ union resolved six grievances, expanding access to top contracts, protecting most existing footwear deals and creating more opportunities to negotiate bonuses.
No Shield was clinched and no final playoff spot was claimed, as the NWSL season will all come down to Decision Day to determine who's occupying all eight spots in the post-season.
The Barcelona midfielder has won each of the last three prizes - but the 2026 accolade will go to someone else at Monday's ceremony in London after Bonmati's injury-hit campaign
From Sam Kerr, Steph Catley and Alanna Kennedy to Mary Fowler, Ellie Carpenter and Kyra Cooney-Cross, England's top-flight has become the league of choice for top talents from Down Under in recent years
Three prominent Zambian internationals competing in the National Women's Soccer League face an unexpected postponement to their domestic campaigns following stringent border regulations implemented by American authorities. Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda leads the affected trio who are sidelined ahead of the decisive upcoming post-season run-in.
The NWSL heads into the international break with a clearer playoff picture: Gotham FC will host a postseason game, while Houston and Bay FC are out of playoff contention.
Atlanta’s National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise unveiled its name, crest and colors Monday, officially introducing Atlanta City FC. The club, one of two set to join the NWSL in 2028, revealed an identity that celebrates the city’s rich history and character while reflecting the team’s ambitions for the future.
Gotham clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 win over North Carolina, while Angel City beat Utah 3-0 and Denver Summit stunned Seattle 2-1 as the NWSL playoff picture took shape.
Another weekend of chaos across the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), from the Boston Legacy shocking the Washington Spirit to a six-goal game between Angel City and Denver Summit FC.
Ashley Sanchez breaks the American NWSL single-season scoring record as North Carolina take top spot in our rankings, while Denver end Gotham's 10-game unbeaten run.
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