Gotham FC Clinches Fourth Straight NWSL Playoff Spot

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Sept. 20, 2026) - Gotham FC has clinched a spot in the 2026 NWSL Playoffs, presented by Google Pixel, securing its fourth consecutive postseason appearance and extending the longest playoff streak in club history.

The reigning NWSL champions and first-place squad will begin their pursuit of back-to-back league titles and a third NWSL Championship in four seasons when the playoffs begin in early November.

Gotham FC secured its postseason berth after Saturday’s 2-1 win over the North Carolina Courage, along with other results across the league this weekend. With five regular season matches remaining, Gotham FC also remains in contention to capture the club’s first NWSL Shield, given to the top finisher in the regular season. The club claimed the NWSL Challenge Cup in June.

The playoff berth continues a remarkable stretch for Gotham FC, which has reached the postseason in every season since 2023 and twice lifted the NWSL Championship trophy during that span.

Gotham FC captured its first NWSL Championship in 2023 at Snapdragon Stadium, defeating Seattle Reign FC in the final just one season after finishing last in the 2022 NWSL regular season standings.

Gotham FC returned to the summit in 2025, winning its second NWSL Championship in three seasons at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Rose Lavelle scored the game-winning goal in the final to secure the championship and claim the club’s second trophy in 2025 following the continental Concacaf W Champions Cup.

With another postseason berth secured, Gotham FC now turns its attention to the final stretch of the regular season as it continues its pursuit of the NWSL Shield and a home playoff berth, aiming to bring postseason soccer back to New Jersey for the first time since 2024.

Gotham FC returns to action Friday, Sept. 25, when it hosts Chicago Stars FC at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET, with coverage on Prime Video. Tickets for the match are available here.