The road to Gotham FC's possible third NWSL Championship: What to know
The regular season is officially over. NJ/NY Gotham FC won the NWSL Shield, as the team finished in first place for the first time in club history. A win over Utah Royals FC led the Bats to this incredible achievement.
Nevertheless, the Bats want more, and now they will have a chance to win their third NWSL Championship and lift the trophy in back-to-back years. And Midge Purce, who was critical in the Utah match, expressed that they are still hungry for another championship. “I like the Shield,” she told the New York Post. “I’m American, though. I want the championship.”
It will not be easy, but Gotham FC is used to that. After all, they won both championships when they were the last seed that made the postseason. But now, everyone else is coming for the Bats. What do they need to do to lift that trophy?
Gotham FC's 2026 playoffs
To begin, Gotham FC will host the quarterfinal matchup on Sunday, November 8, at 12:30 PM. They will face Seattle Reign FC, whom they have not seen since the summer. The Bats won both of the meetings this year, including the rainy comeback win in July, in which they scored three goals after the 80th minute.
On paper, Gotham should at least win in the quarterfinals, but as they know all too well, that is not given. After all, the NJ/NY side beat the first-place Kansas City Current as the eight-seed, so they know Seattle could do the same thing. Therefore, it does not matter who they play. The Shield-winners just need to do their job and win.
If the Bats make it to the semifinals, then they will face either Kansas City or Angel City FC. Based on this season, the Current might be the preferred matchup, as Gotham won the Challenge Cup and also beat them for the first time in the regular season this summer. On the other hand, the games with Angel City ended in a draw.
After that, if the NJ/NY side makes it to the finals, then they will face either San Diego Wave FC, Utah Royals FC, the Washington Spirit, or Portland Thorns FC. Except for Utah, against whom Gotham has won five of their six games since 2024, each team would be a difficult opponent. Washington and San Diego were the most challenging sides to face this season, as the Bats won and lost a match against each. The Portland games ended in a draw, so it is difficult to know what that match would be like.
However, the worst-possible scenario would be for the finals to be against the Spirit. The NWSL Championship game will be in Washington, D.C., at Audi Field. So, Gotham FC would have a clear disadvantage since Washington would play in their home stadium when it is supposed to be a neutral ground.
No matter what, the NWSL Playoffs will not be easy. Gotham FC has a lot of work to do if they want to lift another trophy this year.
