Four clubs begin their two-leg semifinal series October 31, with the Diana B. Matheson Cup within reach.
The road to the Diana B. Matheson Cup runs through the playoffs. With the final berth decided following tonight’s action at BMO Field, the 2026 Northern Super League (NSL) playoff field is set, as four clubs turn their attention to the pursuit of the league title.
Montréal Roses FC, Ottawa Rapid FC and AFC Toronto had already secured their postseason places, with Vancouver Rise claiming the final spot to complete the four-team field. With the regular season complete, the focus shifts to the two-leg semifinals, where each club must navigate a home-and-away series to earn a place in the NSL Final.
Montréal Roses FC finished atop the standings with 45 points, followed by Ottawa Rapid FC with 40 and AFC Toronto with 38. Vancouver Rise claimed the final playoff spot with 31 points, edging past the Halifax Tides, who came up short in tonight's must-win match.
“As we head into the playoffs, it’s exciting to see the level of competition across the league and the passion building around our clubs. These are the moments players work toward, and a chance to showcase the quality of our athletes and the continued growth of women’s professional soccer in Canada.”
- Christina Litz, President, Northern Super League
The semifinal matchups will see the first-place club face the fourth-place club, while the second-place club meets the third-place club. The two-leg series runs from October 31 to November 8, with each club hosting one match. Aggregate goals across both legs will determine which teams advance to the NSL Final.
CATCH EVERY MOMENT OF THE PLAYOFFS
Fans across Canada, the United States and around the world can follow the action throughout the postseason. All four semifinal matches will be available across CBC, TSN, RDS, ESPN+ and the NSL’s YouTube channel, with broadcast availability varying by match.
The season culminates on Saturday, November 14, at TD Place in Ottawa, where the two semifinal winners will meet in the 2026 NSL Final. Coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET with the NSL Final Pre-Show on TSN, leading into the 2:00 p.m. ET kickoff. The final will be available on CBC, TSN, RDS, ESPN+ and the NSL’s YouTube channel.
One club will lift the Diana B. Matheson Cup and be crowned champion, claiming the league’s championship title.
HOW TO WATCH THE 2026 NSL PLAYOFFS
SEMIFINALS - FIRST LEG
Saturday, October 31
AFC Toronto hosts Ottawa Rapid | 2:00 p.m. ET | CBC
Sunday, November 1
Vancouver Rise hosts Montréal Roses | 7:00 p.m. ET | TSN, RDS-INFO, ESPN+
SEMIFINALS - SECOND LEG
Saturday, November 7
Ottawa Rapid hosts AFC Toronto | 2:00 p.m. ET | CBC
Sunday, November 8
Montréal Roses hosts Vancouver Rise | 4:00 p.m. ET | TSN, RDS, ESPN+
2026 NSL FINAL - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14
NSL Final Pre-Show: 1:30 p.m. ET | TSN
Final kickoff: 2:00 p.m. ET | CBC, TSN, RDS, ESPN+ and NSL YouTube