Everything at stake for NWSL Decision Day - Shield, playoff spots, hosting and more - ESPN

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. ESPN2 will have a whip-around show following all eight games and the live standings.

Here are the scenarios you need to know going into the final day of the NWSL season on Sunday.

— WATCH LIVE: Stream NWSL Decision Day on ESPN+

Gotham (17-5-7, 58 points) has led the NWSL standings for the past 11 match weeks, and they will clinch their first NWSL Shield with a win or draw on Sunday at home against the Utah Royals.

The San Diego Wave is the only other team that can win the 2026 NWSL Shield. San Diego (17-8-4, 55 points) is three points behind Gotham. The only way that San Diego can clinch the Shield is with a victory over Bay FC (ESPN+) and a Gotham FC loss.

That scenario would leave Gotham and San Diego level on points. The first tiebreaker is goal difference. Currently, Gotham is +14 and San Diego is +13.

In a scenario where San Diego wins and Gotham loses, that goal difference automatically flips in the Wave's advantage. San Diego previously won the NWSL Shield in 2023, the team's second year of existence.

Gotham FC won the NWSL Championship that year as