Long Story Short
- If North Carolina loses Friday night, then Gotham FC, Seattle, San Diego, and Portland all clinch playoff berths.
- The five teams currently above the playoff line — Gotham FC, Seattle, San Diego, Portland, and Louisville — all control their own destiny this weekend: win and you’re in (except in the case of Racing and Gotham, who play each other).
- Even though the five teams can clinch playoff spots this weekend, final seeding won’t be determined until Decision Day.
- Houston and Angel City must win to stay in playoff contention and need a Gotham FC win or draw.
- North Carolina needs at least a draw to stay alive and also needs Gotham FC to win.
Playoff Spots Clinched (Seed)
- Kansas City Current – No. 1 seed / NWSL Shield winner
- Washington Spirit – No. 2 seed
- Orlando Pride
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Eliminated
- Chicago Red Stars – Eliminated Week 22
- Bay FC – Eliminated Week 23
- Utah Royals FC – Eliminated Week 24
Scenarios by Club — Heading into Week 25
Angel City FC
Can finish: 8th – 12th
Eliminated with:
- Loss OR
- Draw OR
- Win + Louisville win/draw
Bay FC
Status: Eliminated (Week 23)
Chicago Stars FC
Status: Eliminated (Week 22)
Gotham FC
Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinches playoffs with:
- Win OR
- Draw OR
- Loss + Bay FC win/draw
Clinches top-4 seed (home QF) with:
- Win + Utah win/draw + Washington win/draw + Chicago win + Angel City win
Houston Dash
Can finish: 8th – 12th
Eliminated with:
- Loss OR
- Draw OR
- Win + Louisville win/draw
Kansas City Current
Status: No. 1 seed / NWSL Shield winner
- Clinched playoffs – Week 18
- Clinched Shield – Week 21
Racing Louisville FC
Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinches playoffs with:
- Win OR
- Draw + Bay FC win/draw OR
- Loss + Bay FC win + Kansas City win/draw + Portland win/draw
North Carolina Courage
Can finish: 7th – 11th
Eliminated with:
- Loss OR
- Draw + Louisville draw OR
- Win + Louisville win
Orlando Pride
Can finish: 3rd – 8th
Clinched playoffs: Week 24
Portland Thorns FC
Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinches playoffs with:
- Win OR
- Draw/Loss + Bay FC win/draw
San Diego Wave FC
Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinches playoffs with:
- Win OR
- Draw/Loss + Bay FC win/draw
Seattle Reign FC
Can finish: 3rd – 9th
Clinches playoffs with:
- Win OR
- Draw OR
- Loss + Bay FC win/draw
Utah Royals FC
Status: Eliminated (Week 24)
Washington Spirit
Status: No. 2 seed
- Clinched playoffs – Week 22
- Clinched No. 2 seed – Week 24
