As the 2025 NWSL regular season enters its final stretch, every match has playoff implications, either for the teams on the field or a team sitting at home, hoping for a certain result. But clubs aren't just chasing postseason berths. They're also fighting for the chance to host playoff matches. Here's who has already grabbed a playoff spot and make sure to check NWSL News every Thursday afternoon for updated playoff scenarios ahead of the next matchups.

Kansas City Current

The first team to clinch a 2025 NWSL Playoff spot was the Kansas City Current, who did so in emphatic fashion, taking down the North Carolina Courage at home in Week 18 and celebrating the achievement with their fans. They also equaled the Orlando Pride’s 2024 record-setting performance for the fastest team to secure a playoff berth with eight regular season games remaining. In the match that secured the spot, Izzy Rodriguez opened the scoring with a stunning strike from distance and Lo’eau LaBonta converted from the spot for her 20th penalty goal in club history. Behind them, goalkeeper Lorena delivered her league-best 10th clean sheet, anchoring a defense that looks impenetrable heading into the most important part of the season.

In Week 19, the Current then secured a top-4 finish and a home playoff quarterfinal match and in Week 20, they secured a top-2 finish which means if they advance to the semifinal round, they would play at home.

Washington Spirit

The second club to officially secure a postseason berth was the Washington Spirit, who booked their place with a commanding 4-0 win over the Houston Dash in Week 22. Forward Gift Monday delivered the headline performance with the fastest hat trick from kickoff in NWSL history, finding the net three times in the opening 36 minutes. Substitute Sofia Cantore added a fourth late on, while goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury anchored the back line with her 45th career regular season shutout. The victory extended Washington’s unbeaten run to eight matches and ensured back-to-back playoff appearances for the club. Now the Spirit will need to play for a home playoff berth.

Orlando Pride

The defending champions became the third team to clinch a postseason berth, securing their spot with a dramatic 1–0 win over the Portland Thorns before patiently waiting all weekend for the final match of Week 24 to confirm their place mathematically. The Pride left it late, breaking through in stoppage time when Marta’s corner deflected into the net for the game’s only goal. The Pride are unbeaten in their last three matches and, thanks to the steady guidance of head coach Seb Hines, are now headed into back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in club history. With a blend of experience, grit, and late-game magic, Orlando once again looks built for a deep postseason run.

Seattle Reign FC

The Seattle Reign became the fourth team to clinch a playoff berth with a 2–1 victory over the Utah Royals on Friday night at Lumen Field. Rookie Ainsley McCammon opened her NWSL account just before halftime, heading home after a slick build-up with Maddie Dahlien. Utah equalized early in the second half through Paige Monaghan’s long solo run and curling finish, but Sofia Huerta restored Seattle’s lead from the penalty spot in the 67th minute following VAR. Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey kept the Reign in control with several key saves, while veteran Lauren Barnes — playing her final regular-season home match before retirement — helped see out the win. The result sealed Seattle’s eighth postseason appearance, tying them for the second-most in league history.

San Diego Wave FC

San Diego Wave FC clinched their third playoff berth in four seasons with a record-breaking 6–1 victory over the Chicago Stars on Saturday night at Snapdragon Stadium. In front of 16,920 fans, the Wave put on an attacking masterclass, scoring three goals in the opening 18 minutes—the fastest start in club history. Delphine Cascarino opened the scoring in the seventh minute, pouncing on a rebound for her fifth goal of the season, before a Chicago own goal and a composed finish from Dudinha made it 3–0. Just before halftime, Kristen McNabb headed home from a Kenza Dali free kick to give San Diego their first-ever four-goal half. Dudinha added her second of the night early in the second half, her first-ever brace, and Dali capped the scoring with a long-range strike in the 83rd minute. The win marked San Diego’s largest in club history and secured their spot in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs, with seeding to be determined on Decision Day.

Gotham FC

Gotham FC clinched their third consecutive postseason berth after a dramatic 2–2 draw against Racing Louisville on Sunday at Sports Illustrated Stadium. Rose Lavelle played the hero, curling home a stunning free kick in the 83rd minute to secure the crucial point that sealed Gotham’s playoff spot. Jaelin Howell had opened the scoring for the home side with a precise strike from the edge of the box in the 14th minute, before Louisville battled back through a deflected goal from Janine Sonis and a 65th-minute finish by Sarah Weber. Gotham controlled much of the match, creating over 1.5 expected goals and hitting the woodwork twice, while Racing keeper Jordyn Bloomer made five key saves to keep the visitors in it. With the result, Gotham can finish anywhere from third to eighth heading into Decision Day, when they’ll face North Carolina, who are in contention for the final playoff spot.

Portland Thorns FC

The Portland Thorns clinched their spot in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs with a 2–0 road win over Angel City FC on Sunday afternoon, extending their league-best streak to nine consecutive postseason appearances. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie led the way with both goals, opening the scoring in the 23rd minute with a curling strike into the top corner off an assist from Alexa Spaanstra, then doubling the lead from the penalty spot in the 60th minute after Reilyn Turner drew a foul in the box. Mackenzie Arnold and the Thorns’ back line delivered a composed defensive performance, limiting Angel City to just two shots on target and securing their sixth clean sheet of the season. With the result, Portland reached 37 points—their highest total since 2022 when they won their last championship title—and will head into Decision Day ready to battle for a home playoff match at Providence Park.