NWSL The penultimate round of the NWSL regular season promises to be incredibly intense. While three teams have already secured their place in the playoffs, the remaining positions from fourth to eighth are still up for grabs. The upcoming weekend could bring both surprises and decisive outcomes.
If North Carolina Courage lose on Friday night, Gotham FC, Seattle Reign, San Diego Wave, and Portland Thorns will all clinch playoff berths.
The five teams currently above the playoff line , Gotham, Seattle, San Diego, Portland, and Racing Louisville can all secure postseason qualification with a win. The only exception is the direct matchup between Gotham FC and Racing Louisville, where only one team can take all three points.
The final standings and playoff seedings will only be determined during Decision Day, the last (26th) week of the regular season.
Houston Dash and Angel City FC still have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs, but they must win their matches. They could also benefit from a draw or win by Gotham FC.
North Carolina Courage need at least a draw to stay in contention, plus a favorable result in the Gotham FC match (a Gotham victory).
Teams Already Qualified for the Playoffs
- Kansas City Current – Regular season champions (NWSL Shield), seeded No. 1.
- Washington Spirit – Secured second place.
- Orlando Pride – Clinched playoff spot in Week 24.
Teams Eliminated from Playoff Contention
- Chicago Red Stars – Eliminated in Week 22.
- Bay FC – Eliminated in Week 23.
- Utah Royals FC – Eliminated in Week 24.
NWSL – Week 25 Playoff Scenarios
| Team | Possible Final Position | Status / Qualification or Elimination Conditions |
| Kansas City Current | 1 | ✅ Clinched playoff berth (since Week 18); regular season champions (NWSL Shield – Week 21). |
| Washington Spirit | 2 | ✅ Secured 2nd place and playoff spot (since Week 22). |
| Orlando Pride | 3–8 | ✅ Clinched playoff berth (Week 24). |
| Gotham FC | 3–9 | Qualify with a win, draw, or loss if Bay FC does not win. Still have a chance for a top-4 finish depending on other results. |
| Seattle Reign FC | 3–9 | Qualify with a win, draw, or loss if Bay FC does not win. |
| San Diego Wave FC | 3–9 | Qualify with a win, or if Bay FC fails to win their match. |
| Portland Thorns FC | 3–9 | Qualify with a win, or with a draw/loss if Bay FC does not win. |
| Racing Louisville FC | 3–9 | Qualify with a win; possibly also with a draw if Bay FC fails to win, or even with a loss if Bay FC, Kansas City, and Portland all win. |
| North Carolina Courage | 7–11 | Eliminated with a loss, or a draw if Louisville also draws; could even be eliminated with a win if Louisville also wins. |
| Houston Dash | 8–12 | Eliminated with a loss, draw, or even a win if Louisville earns any points. |
| Angel City FC | 8–12 | Same scenario as Houston Dash must win and hope Louisville drops points. |
| Bay FC | — | ❌ Eliminated in Week 23. |
| Chicago Red Stars | — | ❌ Eliminated in Week 22. |
| Utah Royals FC | — | ❌ Eliminated in Week 24. |
NWSL Week 25 Schedule
| Bay FC vs North Carolina Courage |
| Seattle Reign vs Utah Royals |
| Washington Spirit vs Orlando Pride |
| Houston Dash vs Kansas City Current |
| San Diego Wave vs Chicago Red Stars |
| Gotham FC vs Racing Louisville |
| Angel City FC vs Portland Thorns |
Summary
The NWSL playoff race is reaching its climax. Three teams have already secured quarterfinal spots, but for the rest, every match in Week 25 is critical.
The clashes Gotham FC vs Racing Louisville and Angel City FC vs Portland Thorns could dramatically alter the standings.
At this stage, the margin for error is razor-thin, one goal or defensive lapse could decide a team’s fate.
Decision Day is shaping up to be a thrilling NWSL finale filled with high drama and emotion.
