Seattle Reign forces Orlando to decide NWSL playoff field

The final NWSL playoff berth remained undecided until the closing minutes of the regular season, when the Seattle Reign defeated the Orlando Pride 1-0. That single result locked in the eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals and simultaneously ended the campaigns of the North Carolina Courage and Denver Summit.

The 2026 season marked a structural shift for the league, which expanded to 16 clubs with the addition of teams in Boston and Denver. Each side played a 30-game schedule, which included a midseason pause to accommodate the men's World Cup. Despite the added games, the standings stayed compressed through the final week, leaving the last spot in contention until the final hour.

The eight remaining teams represent a mix of recent champions and first-time qualifiers. Gotham FC, the No. 8 seed last year, won the NWSL Shield this season. The Utah Royals enter the postseason for the first time, while the San Diego Wave finished second in the standings behind Gotham. The tournament will conclude in three weekends with the final held in Washington, D.C.

CBS Sports analyst Sandra Herrera identifies San Diego as the primary favorite to win the championship. She noted that the Wave recorded their best regular season in franchise history, setting new marks for wins and total points. Herrera credited head coach Jonas Eidevall with transforming the club into a top contender during his second year in charge.

The San Diego roster features a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent. Midfielder Kenza Dali, a 35-year-old recognized as the underdog MVP, helped develop young players Kimmi Ascanio, Melanie Barcenas, and Gia Corley. Rookie defender Mimi Van Zanten earned a starting role alongside centerbacks Kennedy Wesley and Kristen McNabb. Forward Lia Godfrey contributed six goals and six assists, while Trinity Byars scored 11 goals in her sophomore year after returning from an ACL injury.

European soccer action continues this weekend with several high-profile matchups. Inter will host Como at San Siro on Sunday, with Como arriving after a 9-1 Champions League victory at Lens. Manchester United faces Aston Villa at Old Trafford earlier in the day. The NWSL quarterfinals include a CBS broadcast of Kansas City Current versus Angel City FC on Saturday, followed by Gotham FC against the Utah Royals on Sunday.