The march towards the 2025 NWSL Championship begins on Friday, and if the regular season was any indication, buckle up for an unpredictable ride. The playoff bracket is set, with plenty of dynamic matchups, making easy predictions feel risky.

Upset watch centers on Racing Louisville FC making their inaugural playoff appearance against Washington Spirit (Saturday, 12 p.m. ET, CBS, Paramount+). Meanwhile, Kansas City Current, the top seed and 2025 NWSL Shield winners, are set to face off against the reigning champions Gotham FC. Despite the powerful resumes and statistics, each analyst’s predictions will challenge the expected outcomes.

Quarterfinals

Friday, Nov. 7
Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign, 8 p.m. (Prime Video)
Saturday, Nov. 8
Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville, 12 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)
Sunday, Nov. 9
Kansas City Current vs. Gotham FC, 12:30 p.m. (ABC)
Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave, 3 p.m. (ABC)

Semifinals

Matches scheduled for the weekend of Nov. 15 and 16
Kansas City Current/Gotham FC vs. Orlando Pride/Seattle Reign, time TBA
Washington Spirit/Racing Louisville vs. Portland Thorns/San Diego Wave, time TBA

Final

Saturday, Nov. 22
Teams TBD, 8 p.m. (CBS, Paramount+)

As analysts reveal their playoff brackets, the spotlight intensifies on Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit as favorites to secure the championship.