Jeff Kassouf Oct 31, 2026, 04:59 AM ET

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Jeff Kassouf covers women's soccer for ESPN, focusing on the USWNT and NWSL. In 2009, he founded The Equalizer, a women's soccer news outlet, and he previously won a Sports Emmy at NBC Sports and Olympics.

Sunday for the NWSL is "Decision Day" -- and unlike some years past, the final day of this season will be true to its name.

The 2026 NWSL Shield and the final spot in this year's postseason will both be decided during a slate of eight matches on Decision Day. All of the games will kick off simultaneously at 5 p.m. ET on the ESPN family of networks, and every single match has implications on playoff seeding.

Gotham FC could win their first NWSL Shield with a win or a draw against the Utah Royals ( ESPN , ESPN Deportes ).

Denver Summit FC , the North Carolina Courage and the Seattle Reign are all fighting for the last of eight playoff spots and North Carolina hosts Denver.…