We’re headed into Week 21 of the 2025 NWSL season (Sept. 18–21) and seven playoff spots are still up for grabs. Kansas City Current have already punched their ticket and secured home-field advantage through the semifinals. While no teams can clinch or be eliminated this weekend, the coveted NWSL Shield could be claimed by a new winner.
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
Week 21 Playoff Scenarios
Washington Spirit can clinch a playoff berth with:
- A win at Angel City plus North Carolina loss and Houston loss and Louisville loss
No team can be eliminated.
Who Will Host a Playoff Game
Kansas City has already claimed a home playoff game. No one else this weekend can claim another one.
The Race for the Shield is On
After Week 20, only Kansas City and Washington – both of whom have never won an NWSL Shield before – remain in contention.
Kansas City can clinch the club’s first-ever Shield in Week 21 with:
- A win vs. Seattle AND a Washington draw/loss vs. Angel City
If the Current secure the Shield this weekend, they would become the fastest team to ever clinch with five games still to play.
NWSL record for fastest clinch (4 games remaining):
- Seattle Reign (2014)
- North Carolina Courage (2018)
- Portland Thorns (2021)
