The stage is set for the 2026 NCAA Women’s Final Four in Phoenix, and if the bracket looks familiar, it’s because we are witnessing a historic “repeat.” For only the second time in tournament history (and the first time since 1996), the exact same four teams have returned to the Final Four in back-to-back seasons.
Here is everything you need to know as we head into the final weekend of March Madness.
The Final Four Matchups
The national semifinals will take place on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
| Game | Matchup | Time (ET) | Network |
| Semifinal 1 | (1) South Carolina vs. (1) UConn | 7:00 PM | ESPN |
| Semifinal 2 | (1) Texas vs. (1) UCLA | ~9:30 PM | ESPN |
How They Got Here: Elite Eight Recap
The regional finals were a masterclass in dominance by the top seeds, as all four No. 1 seeds successfully defended their territory.
Fort Worth 1 Region: UConn 70, Notre Dame 52
The defending champion Huskies extended their incredible winning streak to 54 games. Led by All-Americans Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, Geno Auriemma’s squad shut down the Fighting Irish to secure their 26th Final Four appearance.
Sacramento 4 Region: South Carolina 78, TCU 52
Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks continue to look like a juggernaut. After dismantling USC in the Sweet 16, they made quick work of the Horned Frogs. Their depth and interior defense remain the gold standard of the tournament.
Fort Worth 3 Region: Texas 77, Michigan 41
The Longhorns put on a defensive clinic in the Elite Eight, holding a potent Michigan offense to just 41 points. Coach Vic Schaefer has Texas back in the Final Four for the second straight year, looking for the program’s first title since 1986.
Sacramento 2 Region: UCLA 70, Duke 58
The Bruins are the only team to have handed Texas a loss this season, and they stayed on a collision course for a rematch by outlasting a gritty Duke team. UCLA enters the Final Four with a 35-1 record and a league-leading scoring margin.
Storylines to Watch
- The UConn Dynasty: The Huskies are chasing their 13th national title and their 7th undefeated season. They haven’t lost a game in nearly two years.
- The Rematch: UCLA vs. Texas is a battle of “juggernauts.” UCLA won the regular-season meeting, but Texas has looked nearly untouchable during this tournament run.
- Historic Parity? While the same four teams are back, the gap is closing. Teams like Virginia (who upset 2-seed Iowa in double OT) and TCU proved that the mid-seeds are more dangerous than ever, even if the “Big Four” still rule the top.
National Championship Note: The winners of Friday’s games will face off for the title on Sunday, April 5, at 3:30 PM ET on ABC.
Will UConn complete the perfect season, or will South Carolina, Texas, or UCLA finally dethrone the champs? We’ll find out this weekend in the desert!
