NWSL Playoffs

Updated September 16, 2026

Recent Changes

SD logo San Diego Wave FC (seed 5 → 4)
UTA logo Utah Royals FC (seed 4 → 3)
NC logo North Carolina Courage (seed 3 → 5)

NWSL Playoff Format and Rules

Teams will be seeded based on points scored throughout the season. The top 6 teams will qualify, with the top 2 teams receiving first-round byes.

Tiebreakers

  1. Goal differential
  2. Most total wins (Regular Season only)
  3. Most goals scored (Regular Season only)
  4. Head-to-head results (total points accumulated)
  5. Head-to-head most goals scored
  6. Least Disciplinary Points Accumulated