As the 2025 NWSL regular season enters its final stretch, the playoff race is beginning to take form. Clubs are chasing not only postseason berths but also the chance to host knockout matches, with the race for the NWSL Shield adding another layer of intensity at the top of the table. The field is tightening, and every result from here on out carries weight as the league builds towards the postseason.

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, with the results of other matches around the league, the Current then secured a top-4 finish and a home playoff quarterfinal match. Headed into Week 20, they could very well secure a top-2 finish and a semifinal match, if they were to advance to the next round.