As the 2025 NWSL regular season draws to a close, the competition intensifies with only five weeks left for teams to secure playoff berths and improve their standing in the power rankings. Week 21 saw the Kansas City Current claim the NWSL Shield, firmly placing them at the top of our list, yet a strong sense of competitive balance prevails throughout the league.
With the postseason picture gradually forming, clubs are demonstrating why the NWSL is considered the world`s most competitive league. The Washington Spirit, for instance, have an opportunity to secure a 2025 playoff spot when they host the Houston Dash on Sunday. Meanwhile, the top-seeded Kansas City Current will face the last-place Chicago Stars FC in a crucial Midwest encounter, where a win is essential for Chicago`s continued playoff hopes. In these high-stakes matchups, any team can experience shifts in their power ranking, highlighting the league`s unpredictable nature.
As Week 22 approaches, fans can anticipate more thrilling NWSL action.
2025 NWSL Power Rankings
Here’s an overview of the league’s standing as we head into Week 22:
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1. Kansas City Current (–)
The Kansas City Current have consistently been the standout team throughout the 2025 NWSL regular season, definitively earning the 2025 NWSL Shield. They secured the shield faster than any previous team, and with five weeks still remaining, they have ample time to fine-tune their strategy if needed.
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2. Washington Spirit (–)
The Spirit, having finished as runners-up in the Shield race, are eager to clinch their playoff spot on home turf. With the regular season nearing its end, key players like forward Trinity Rodman and midfielder Croix Bethune are hitting peak form, ensuring the Spirit remain a formidable contender.
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3. Gotham FC (+2)
Gotham FC`s fortunes are rising with the stellar play of Rose Lavelle. In a tight postseason race, understanding how to avoid defeat can be as critical as securing a victory. The coaching staff is also effectively demonstrating the depth and versatility of their roster.
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4. Portland Thorns FC (-1)
Among the top four in these rankings and the league table, the Thorns are notable for their inconsistency. They often appear to have control of a match in one phase, only to falter in the next. Their continued high ranking largely reflects similar struggles faced by many other top teams.
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5. Seattle Reign FC (-1)
The Seattle Reign desperately need goals from players other than Jess Fishlock. Scoring only one goal in four games indicates a worrying pattern of stagnation, which is far from ideal when striving to stay competitive in the playoff hunt.
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6. Orlando Pride (–)
The former NWSL Shield winners are currently experiencing a downturn in both the playoff race and these power rankings. While game statistics suggest the Pride are barely holding onto their postseason aspirations, a significant change in their lineup might be necessary to regain momentum.
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7. San Diego Wave (–)
San Diego has lost the creative spark that defined their play in the first half of the season. If forward Delphine Cascarino`s injury persists, the team may struggle to improve their position in the power rankings.
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8. Utah Royals (+3)
The Utah Royals are finally delivering the performances many anticipated for 2025. Mirroring last season`s trajectory, Utah is now putting together strong displays and outperforming their league table position. However, just like last year, they face a ticking clock to make club history.
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9. Houston Dash (+1)
The Dash have proven their resilience. After their unbeaten streak ended, they quickly bounced back to good form. Yazmeen Ryan is once again finding the back of the net, keeping them firmly in playoff discussions that had previously seemed to be slipping away.
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10. North Carolina Courage (+2)
The Courage are playing with a “nothing-to-lose” attitude, and it`s yielding positive results both on the scoreboard and in their playoff prospects. Defenders Maycee Bell and Kaleigh Kurtz are effectively neutralizing opposing attacks, contributing to strong overall team play.
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11. Racing Louisville FC (-3)
Racing Louisville continues to struggle, failing to distinguish themselves from other playoff contenders and, unfortunately, from their own history of underperforming seasons. While they show flashes of potential, they urgently need a decisive, comprehensive performance.
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12. Chicago Stars FC (-3)
Chicago`s impressive run has unfortunately given way to a harsh reality. They are now on a winless streak that contrasts sharply with their strong post-summer break form. With the regular season drawing to a close, time is quickly running out for them.
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13. Angel City FC (+1)
While competing closely with top teams can boost confidence, it`s telling that despite their efforts, some of the team`s positive momentum seems to be waning.
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14. Bay FC (-1)
When a season appears to be slipping away, experimenting with new strategies can be beneficial. Defender Brooklyn Courtnal made her first start since being traded to Bay FC, and forward Racheal Kundenanji came off the bench to score a crucial equalizer.
