San Diego Wave ranked top in NWSL playoff power rankings
The club enters the tournament with a seven-match unbeaten streak, despite finishing behind Shield winner Gotham FC in the regular season standings.
By Ella Cox ·
San Diego Wave FC entered the 2026 NWSL playoffs as the top-ranked team in a new power ranking of the eight quarterfinalists. The club finished second in the regular season standings but set a franchise record for total points and wins. They currently hold a seven-match unbeaten run.
Gotham FC, ranked second, won the 2026 NWSL Shield on the final day of the regular season. The team has won two championships in the last three years and captured the Challenge Cup in June. Despite their recent success, injury concerns for midfielder Jaelin Howell and the minutes management for players like Rose Lavelle and Jaedyn Shaw lowered their ranking.
Kansas City Current sits in third place. The team is hosting a home playoff game against Angel City FC. Kansas City is a co-leader in goals scored with 54 total goals this season. Temwa Chawinga and Haley Hopkins each scored 12 goals. Midfielder Croix Bethune broke the single-season assist record with 11 assists.
Angel City FC is ranked fourth. The team has not lost in its last 10 games under interim coach Leif Gunnar Smerud. The squad features a balanced attack with Sveindis Jonsdottir and Maiara Niehues as leading scorers. Defensive contributions from Gisele Thompson and Evelyn Shores have strengthened the backline since the midseason.
Washington Spirit is ranked fifth. The team lost the previous two NWSL Championship finals. The upcoming final will be held at Audi Field as a neutral site. Trinity Rodman leads the team with 12 goals. The squad has dealt with injuries to key starters and the integration of new players during the second half of the season.
Portland Thorns is ranked sixth. Head coach Robert Vilahamn guided the team to the postseason despite injuries to Olivia Moultrie and others. Sophia Wilson is in form, and Jessie Fleming has served as a defensive anchor. The team navigated a season with limited depth and the departure of Sam Coffey to Manchester City.
Seattle Reign FC is ranked seventh. The team secured the final playoff spot with a win on the last day of the season. The match was a farewell home game for Jess Fishlock, who is retiring after the 2026 season. The team relies on goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and defender Jordyn Bugg. Goal scoring remains a question mark for the squad.
Utah Royals FC is ranked eighth. This is the club's first appearance in the NWSL playoffs. The team has won only one of its last five games. Kate Del Fava is a leading defender of the year candidate. Injuries to midfielders Mina Tanaka and Narumi Miura present challenges for head coach Jimmy Coenraets as the tournament begins Friday.
