The 2026 NWSL playoffs begin Friday with the quarterfinal round featuring the league's top eight teams. A special postseason power ranking places San Diego Wave FC at No. 1, followed by NWSL Shield winners Gotham FC at No. 2.
San Diego Wave FC earned the top spot after the best regular season in club history, finishing second in the Shield race with a franchise-record win total and a seven-match unbeaten run. Coach Jonas Eidevall's side is led by midfielder Kenza Dali and rookie contributors like Mimi Van Zanten and Lia Godfrey.
Gotham FC, despite winning the 2026 NWSL Shield, the Challenge Cup, and two of the last three championships, sits second due to injury concerns, notably midfielder Jaelin Howell's ankle issue. The squad remains loaded with stars such as Guro Reiten, Sam Kerr, Midge Purce, and Rose Lavelle.
Kansas City Current rank third, hosting a home quarterfinal against Angel City FC on Saturday. The Current's attack is powered by Temwa Chawinga and Haley Hopkins, each with 12 goals, and midfielder Croix Bethune, who set a single-season assist record.
Angel City FC enter as the form team with a 10-game unbeaten streak under interim coach Leif Gunnar Smerud. Their attack is balanced, led by Sveindis Jonsdottir and Maiara Niehues, while the defense features standout outside backs Evelyn Shores and Gisele Thompson.
Washington Spirit, Portland Thorns, Seattle Reign FC, and Utah Royals FC round out the rankings at Nos. 5 through 8. The Spirit aim to overcome two consecutive championship final losses on home soil at Audi Field. The Thorns rely on a healthy Sophia Wilson, while Seattle Reign lean on defense and the emotional send-off for retiring Jess Fishlock. Utah Royals make their first playoff appearance but enter on a poor run of form.
