NWSL playoffs schedule today: full quarterfinal slate, bracket paths, and the road to San Jose

Bassyonni

ago 2 hours

NWSL playoffs

The NWSL playoffs are underway, with quarterfinals running Friday–Sunday, November 7–9 and a quick turn to semifinals next weekend before the title match in San Jose. Eight clubs are in; four advance after this weekend. Below is the clean, at-a-glance schedule and how the bracket funnels to the championship.

NWSL playoff schedule — quarterfinals (all times ET / GMT)

Friday, Nov 7

Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign — 8:00 p.m. ET / 01:00 GMT (Nov 8) — Inter&Co Stadium (Orlando, FL)

Saturday, Nov 8

Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville — 12:00 p.m. ET / 17:00 GMT — Audi Field (Washington, DC)

Sunday, Nov 9

Kansas City Current vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC — 12:30 p.m. ET / 17:30 GMT — CPKC Stadium (Kansas City, MO)
Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave — 3:00 p.m. ET / 20:00 GMT — Providence Park (Portland, OR)

Match times and venues are subject to change.

How the NWSL playoffs work

Eight-team field, single elimination. Quarterfinal winners advance to next weekend’s semifinals; higher seed hosts through the semis.
Fixed paths. Winner of 1 vs. 8 meets 4 vs. 5; winner of 2 vs. 7 meets 3 vs. 6. No reseeding.
Extra time & penalties if needed. Two 15-minute periods play in full; then a shootout if still tied.

Semifinal window and championship details

Semifinals: Saturday–Sunday, Nov 15–16 (hosted by the higher seeds). Exact kickoff times will post after quarterfinal results finalize.
NWSL Championship: Saturday, Nov 22 — 8:00 p.m. ET / 01:00 GMT (Nov 23) at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.

What today means in the bracket

Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville (Sat): The winner takes a direct path to face the survivor from the 2/7 vs. 3/6 side (based on quarterfinal seeding). Spirit carry home-field advantage; Racing arrive with momentum from Decision Day.
Sunday doubleheader:
- Kansas City Current vs. Gotham: A heavyweight clash with contrasting strengths—tempo and chance volume vs. control and late-game execution. The winner slots into the 1/8–4/5 semifinal lane.
- Portland vs. San Diego: Two West Coast powers built on pressing triggers and set-piece craft; the winner joins the opposite semifinal path.

Form guide and pressure points

Hosts have the edge—early. Higher seeds historically fare well in the first round, but margins shrink in second halves. Watch for tactical subs around the 60' mark and late set plays.
Transition vs. control. Playoff games tilt on who dictates tempo. Teams that compress midfield and win second balls tend to choke off transition chances that flip matches.
Rest defense matters. With so many creators on the pitch, the team that protects the spaces behind its fullbacks survives the inevitable momentum swings.

Today’s viewing checklist

Kickoff windows: A lunchtime start on the East Coast Saturday, then two staggered Sunday blocks—perfect for back-to-back tracking.
Weather factor: Cooler November conditions can favor high-intensity pressing early and tighter lines late; expect fresher bench legs to matter after 70'.
Set pieces as deciders: In single-elimination matches, corners and deep free kicks change everything. Track near-post screens and second-ball organization.

NWSL playoffs at a glance (quick hits)

Dates: Quarterfinals Nov 7–9 → Semifinals Nov 15–16 → Final Nov 22.
Format: 8 teams, single elimination; higher seed hosts through the semis.
Final venue: PayPal Park, San Jose.
Tiebreakers on the day: Extra time, then penalties.

Bookmark the times above, settle in for a three-day sprint through the quarterfinals, and keep an eye on how each winner’s path lines up for next weekend. The NWSL playoff schedule is packed and decisive—by Sunday night, the semifinal picture will be set and the road to San Jose crystal clear.