By OkayGoal 
Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
With just one matchweek before Decision Day, the 2026 National Women’s Soccer League regular season remains one of the most wide-open in recent memory.
All to play for in quest for the Shield and postseason
The final two weekends of the 2026 NWSL regular season will provide glorified playoff games in all but name. The Shield remains very much in play. Just three points separates Gotham FC (55), the San Diego Wave (54) and Washington Spirit (52) at the top of the heap.
Ten teams are in contention for eight playoff spots, as just five points separates teams in table positions 8 through 10. The Seattle Reign took care of business against Chicago last weekend and remain in the final playoff spot. The Denver Summit and North Carolina Courage saw their playoff chances dealt massive blows with damaging losses. The Summit, in particular, blew a two-goal lead yet again against Angel City, just as they had when the two teams met on September 11.
There is a strong possibility that two MVP frontrunners, Ashley Sanchez and Janine Sonis, could miss out in the postseason. Denver will be eliminated this weekend with a loss or draw at home to Racing Louisville. North Carolina will be eliminated with a loss to Portland, plus a Seattle win.
Meanwhile, Gotham FC could clinch their first-ever Shield this weekend with a win over Orlando and a combination of other results (more below).
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