The Washington Spirit will host Utah Royals FC in a 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Playoffs semifinal at Audi Field on Saturday, November 14. The women’s soccer match will begin at noon EST and air on CBS, with a place in the Spirit’s third straight NWSL Championship at stake.
Washington secured the home semifinal after a 4-1 victory over Portland Thorns FC at Audi Field on November 8. The match will be the Spirit’s third straight home semifinal, and a victory would send Washington to the 2026 NWSL Championship at Audi Field on Saturday, November 21.
Washington Spirit Semifinal Details
The Washington Spirit and Utah Royals FC will meet at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., with kickoff scheduled for noon EST. CBS will air the match, and tickets are available through the Washington Spirit ticket page.
If Washington defeats Utah, the Spirit would host the 2026 NWSL Championship at Audi Field. The club also would become the first team to play in a championship match at its home venue since 2019, according to the announcement.
Washington Spirit and Utah Royals FC Series Context
The Washington Spirit and Utah Royals FC met twice during the 2026 regular season. The teams drew 1-1 in Washington, D.C., on March 25, before the Spirit defeated Utah 1-0 on the road on July 29.
Trinity Rodman scored the match-winning goal in Washington’s July victory. The Spirit will now face Utah again with a place in the NWSL Championship on the line.
Audi Field to Host the Semifinal
The Washington Spirit plays at Audi Field in Buzzard Point. D.C. United and Lafayette Federal Credit Union collaborated to bring the semifinal to the stadium, with Lafayette Federal Credit Union underwriting 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!”
“At Lafayette Federal Credit Union, our members and our community are at the heart of everything we do,” said B. John Farmakides, President & CEO of Lafayette Federal Credit Union. “Partnering with the Washington Spirit this season has been an incredible way to bring those commitments to life. When we had the opportunity to help bring this semifinal home to Audi Field, it was an easy decision. We’re proud to give this team the home-field advantage it deserves and to share another unforgettable moment with our members and Spirit fans.”
MSB Analysis
The Washington Spirit will have home-field advantage when it meets Utah Royals FC in the semifinal. Washington won one meeting and drew one against Utah during the 2026 regular season, while a semifinal victory would send the Spirit to its third straight NWSL Championship.
Source: Original report
