The 2025 NWSL season is reaching a critical point with seven teams already qualified for the playoffs. Only one playoff spot remains open, intensifying the competition among Racing Louisville FC and North Carolina Courage.
Seven teams have secured their places in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs. Kansas City Current leads as the top seed and winner of the NWSL Shield. Other teams that have clinched playoff spots include Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, Seattle Reign FC, San Diego Wave FC, Gotham FC, and Portland Thorns FC.
Several teams have been eliminated from postseason play. These include Chicago Red Stars, Bay FC, Utah Royals FC, Angel City FC, and Houston Dash, who will not participate in the 2025 playoffs.
The last playoff position is contested between Racing Louisville FC and North Carolina Courage. Racing Louisville FC can secure the spot with a win if North Carolina either draws or loses. Conversely, North Carolina Courage must win and hope Louisville does not win to claim the final playoff berth.
Orlando Pride has the chance to clinch the No. 3 seed with a win and could secure either the No. 3 or No. 4 seed with a draw, depending on other match outcomes. Seattle Reign FC faces similar scenarios for the No. 3 or No. 4 seed based on their results and those of competing teams.
If teams finish with the same number of points, playoff seeding will be determined by a series of tiebreakers. These include goal difference, total wins, goals scored, head-to-head records, and if necessary, a coin toss.
