NWSL playoff scenarios, schedule: Three spots up for grabs, just three games left in the regular season

More than half of the NWSL playoff field is set, but with eight teams still fighting for three spots, the 2024 regular season is set for a competitive finish.

Five teams have already secured a spot in the postseason, while Orlando Pride won the NWSL Shield last week and will be the top seed in the playoffs. The Houston Dash are the only ones out of contention for the postseason, meaning most NWSL teams are still in the running, although some have less wiggle room than others. Only one team can secure a spot in the postseason this week, while four teams are at risk of being eliminated from contention if results don’t go in their favor this weekend.

Ahead of this weekend’s NWSL action, here’s a look at the playoff scenarios.

NWSL table

*qualified for the playoffs
**Eliminated from playoff competition

Playoff qualification scenarios

Chicago Red Stars (32 points, 10-11-2)

Can secure a place in the playoffs

• Victory over NJ/NY Gotham FC OR
• Racing Louisville loss to Washington Spirit OR
• Draw against NJ/NY Gotham FC AND Portland Thorns draw against Orlando Pride OR Racing Louisville draws against the Washington Spirit OR
• Portland Thorns lost to Orlando Pride AND Draw between Racing Louisville and Washington Spirit

Playoff elimination scenarios

Seattle Reign (20 points, 5-13-5)

Will be eliminated from the playoff competition

• Lose or draw against the Utah Royals OR
• Portland Thorns win against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC wins against Kansas City Current OR
• Portland Thorns draw against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC wins against Kansas City Current AND Racing Louisville wins over Washington Spirit

Utah Royals (21 points, 6-14-3)

Will be eliminated from the playoff competition

• Lost to Seattle Reign OR
• Portland Thorns win against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC wins against Kansas City Current OR
• Draw against Seattle Reign AND Portland wins or draws against Orlando Pride AND Bay wins or draws against Kansas City Current OR
• Draw against Seattle Reign AND Racing Louisville wins or draws against Washington Spirit AND Bay FC win or draw against Kansas City Current

Angel City (22 points, 7-12-4)

Will be eliminated from the playoff competition

• Lost to North Carolina Courage AND Portland Thorns win or draw against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC win or draw against Kansas City Current OR
• Lost to North Carolina Courage AND Racing Louisville wins or draws against Washington SpiritAND Bay FC win or draw against Kansas City Current OR
• Draw with North Carolina Courage AND Portland Thorns win against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC wins against Kansas City Current OR
• Draw with North Carolina Courage AND Portland Thorns draw against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC wins against Kansas City Current AND Racing Louisville wins over Washington Spirit

San Diego Wave (22 points, 5-11-7)

Will be eliminated from the playoff competition

• Lost to Houston Dash AND Portland Thorns win or draw against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC wins or draws against Kansas City Current OR
• Lost to Houston Dash AND Racing Louisville wins or draws against Washington SpiritAND Bay FC win or draw against Kansas City Current OR
• Draw with Houston Dash AND Portland Thorns win against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC wins against Kansas City Current OR
• Draw with Houston Dash AND Portland Thorns draw against Orlando Pride AND Bay FC wins against Kansas City Current AND Racing Louisville wins over Washington Spirit

Final score scenarios

Washington Spirit (47 points, 15-6-2)

Can achieve a top 4 placement

• Win or draw with Racing Louisville OR
• North Carolina Courage draw or loss against Angel City

NJ/NY Gotham FC (47 points, 14-4-5)

Can achieve a top 4 placement

• Win or draw against the Chicago Red Stars OR
• North Carolina Courage draw or lose against Angel City

Kansas City Current (46 points, 13-3-7)

Can achieve a top 4 placement

• Victory over Bay FC OR
• North Carolina Courage draw or lose against Angel City