# 2026 NWSL Playoffs: Experts Predict Winners

> Experts predict San Diego Wave to win 2026 NWSL Championship.
- Title: 2026 NWSL Playoffs: Experts Predict Winners · CBS Sports
- Summary: Experts predict San Diego Wave to win 2026 NWSL Championship. San Diego Wave likely to win 2026 NWSL Championship as top contenders.
- Keywords: nwsl playoffs, san diego wave, gotham fc, seattle reign, kansas city current, angel city fc, washington spirit, portland thorns, CBS Sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/soccer/news/2026-nwsl-playoffs-prediction-bracket-schedule-experts-picks
- Published: 2026-11-06T17:38:13+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nwsl playoffs, san diego wave, gotham fc, seattle reign, kansas city current, angel city fc, washington spirit, portland thorns, sports
## Playoffs Begin
The NWSL playoffs start this weekend with eight best teams competing for the championship.
## Gotham FC Favorites
Gotham FC enter as favorites after winning the Shield for the first time, aiming to become the first team to do the double since Orlando Pride in 2024.
## Quarterfinals Schedule
Quarterfinals: Friday Nov 6 San Diego Wave vs Utah Royals, Saturday Nov 7 Kansas City Current vs Angel City FC, Sunday Nov 8 Gotham FC vs Seattle Reign.
## Expert Predictions
Four out of six experts selected Kansas City Current as future NWSL Champions, while two chose Washington Spirit.
## Key takeaway

San Diego Wave likely to win 2026 NWSL Championship as top contenders.