We’re headed into Week 22 of the 2025 NWSL season and this weekend could see a team eliminated from a potential playoff spot for the first time this season. The Kansas City Current have efficiently taken care of business and have already clinched a playoff berth, top-4 finish, top-2 seed, and the NWSL Shield presented by CarMax. The only thing left for them to claim is the ultimate title.
Here’s what could happen this weekend!
WHAT’S BEEN CLINCHED
Playoff Spot
- Kansas City Current — Week 18
Top-4 Finish (quarterfinal home match)
- Kansas City Current — Week 19
Top-2 Finish (quarterfinal + semifinal home matches)
- Kansas City Current — Week 20
NWSL Shield
- Kansas City Current — Week 21
READ: NWSL SHIELD 101: WHAT THE TITLE MEANS FOR KC AND A LOOK-BACK AT RECENT WINNERS
WEEK 22 PLAYOFF SCENARIOS
Washington Spirit can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A win vs. Houston OR
- A draw plus Gotham win plus San Diego win/draw plus Louisville draw plus Seattle win
Chicago Stars will be eliminated with:
- A loss at Kansas City OR
- A draw at Kansas City
WHO WILL HOST A PLAYOFF GAME
Kansas City has already claimed home playoff games through the semifinals.
No other team can clinch a home playoff match this weekend.
THE NWSL SHIELD HAS BEEN CLAIMED
With their 2-0 win over Seattle in Week 21, Kansas City Current clinched the 2025 NWSL Shield — the fastest in league history, with five games still to play. It is the first Shield for both the Current and head coach Vlatko Andonovski. Five different clubs have now claimed the Shield in the last five seasons.
By winning the Shield, Kansas City also earned:
- A berth in next season’s NWSL Challenge Cup (against the NWSL Championship winner, or the next-highest finisher if KC wins both)
- A berth in the CONCACAF W Champions Cup, the qualifier for the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup
READ: KANSAS CITY CURRENT CLAIMS 2025 NWSL SHIELD, PRESENTED BY CARMAX
