On Sunday, 1 November, Wales legend Jess Fishlock takes the pitch for Seattle Reign against Orlando Pride — not knowing if it will be her final match. The 39-year-old will retire at the end of the 2026 NWSL season, and a win could extend her glittering career into the playoffs.
Beat Orlando, and Seattle — Fishlock’s club since 2013 — guarantee an eighth playoff berth in her 14-season stint. NC Courage and Denver Summit sit two and three points behind respectively, though both have better goal difference; they face each other on the final day. (Image Credits: BBC Sport)
Fishlock’s Retirement and Her Playoff Quest
Fishlock retired from international duty in October 2025 with a record 166 Wales caps — the most by any Welsh player, men or women — and confirmed in April that the 2026 NWSL campaign would be her last.
One thing she has never won: the NWSL playoffs. She’s finished runner-up three times — 2014, 2015 and 2023. Her club career includes two Champions League titles, three NWSL Shields and the 2021 NWSL MVP award, but a playoff crown would be the perfect send-off.
“I’ve been in this league long enough to understand how this works,” said Fishlock. “All I want to do is get this group into another round of play-offs and see what happens after that.”
A Celebration at Lumen Field
The Reign are honouring their veteran midfielder with stadium celebrations around the match — a commemorative photo booth, dedicated merchandise and several family members who flew to the Pacific Northwest. A crowd of around 16,000 is expected at Lumen Field.
“I don’t think I’ve had this many family out, ever… I will really be able to enjoy it post-game. I’m focusing on the match itself and [reaching the] playoffs to keep the season going a little bit longer, which would be nice.”
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
