The Washington Spirit will host Utah Royals FC in the 2026 NWSL Playoffs semifinal at Audi Field on Saturday, November 14, at 12pm, following a 4-1 home victory over Portland Thorns FC on Sunday. The match will air nationally on CBS, with the Spirit looking to advance to the NWSL Championship for the third consecutive season.
The club announced Monday that the semifinal will be played at Audi Field thanks to a collaboration with D.C. United and financial support from Lafayette Federal Credit Union, which stepped forward to cover the additional costs necessary to host the match.
“We’re excited to host our Semifinal at Audi Field next Saturday,” said Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone. “Thanks to the collaboration of D.C. United and the generosity of Lafayette Federal Credit Union, who stepped forward to underwrite the additional costs necessary to bring this semifinal match home. Let’s sell out Audi Field for the sixth straight playoff game!”
The Spirit and Royals met twice during the regular season. Washington earned a 1-0 road victory on July 29 behind a game-winning goal from Trinity Rodman after the teams played to a 1-1 draw in Washington on March 25.
A victory on November 14 would send the Spirit to the 2026 NWSL Championship, which will also be held at Audi Field on Saturday, November 21. Washington would become the first club since 2019 to compete in an NWSL Championship at its home stadium. Tickets for Saturday’s semifinal are available at WashingtonSpirit.com/tickets.
