How Do MLS Playoffs Work? Updated Format Details

Curious about how the MLS playoffs have evolved? The updated format includes 18 teams vying for the championship, with a mix of automatic qualifiers and Wild Card matches. Round One is particularly intriguing, featuring a best-of-three series. But what happens if teams are tied after regular time? There’s more to uncover about the structure and implications of this playoff system, so let's explore further.

MLS Cup Playoff Format

The MLS Cup Playoff format includes 18 teams competing for the championship title. The top seven teams from each conference qualify for the initial Round One, while the eighth and ninth seeds engage in Wild Card matches to secure a spot in the playoffs.

In Round One, teams compete in a best-of-three series. The structure allows the higher seed to host the first match and, if necessary, the third match, while the lower seed hosts the second match. In instances where matches end tied after regulation time, the outcome is determined through penalty shootouts.

Following Round One, the playoffs progress to single-elimination rounds, which include the conference semifinals and conference finals. The playoffs ultimately lead to the MLS Cup Final, where the champions from both conferences compete for the overall title.

This format presents a balanced approach, giving both higher and lower seeds a defined path to advance while maintaining competitive integrity throughout the playoff process.

2025 MLS Cup Playoff Schedule

The 2025 MLS Cup Playoff schedule is structured to facilitate a competitive and straightforward postseason format. The playoffs will begin with the Wild Card matches on October 22, featuring the 8th and 9th ranked teams from each conference in single-elimination games. This preliminary round is crucial as it allows teams with lower seeds an opportunity to advance.

Following the Wild Card round, Round One will commence, with 1st Leg matches taking place from October 24 to October 26. Teams will then compete in 2nd Leg matches from October 31 to November 2. In certain circumstances, a 3rd Leg match may occur between November 7 and November 9, depending on aggregate scores.

The playoffs will then progress to the Conference Semifinals, scheduled for November 22 and 23. The Conference Finals are set for November 29 and 30, with the hosting team determined by the better overall record during the regular season. This aspect of the schedule emphasizes performance consistency throughout the season.

The culmination of the playoffs will be the MLS Cup Final, set for December 6. The timing and structure of the postseason reflect a well-organized approach to determining the league champion, ensuring that all teams, regardless of their standings, have a defined path to the title.

MLS Trophies: Supporters Shield and MLS Cup

Both the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup represent distinct achievements within Major League Soccer, each reflecting different aspects of a team's performance throughout the season. The Supporters Shield is awarded to the team that finishes with the best regular-season record, acknowledging consistent performance over the course of the season.

In contrast, the MLS Cup is given to the playoff champion, signifying success in the knockout tournament format used during the postseason.

Historically, achieving both titles in a single season is rare; for example, LAFC accomplished this in 2022, exemplifying the high level of difficulty involved in securing both trophies.

The existence of these two distinct trophies allows for a broader assessment of team performance, highlighting the balance between regular-season success and playoff prowess.

This dual recognition also adds complexity to the competitive landscape of MLS, differentiating it from other soccer leagues worldwide, where typically only one title may represent overall success for a season.

Past Winners of MLS Cup

Since its inception in 1996, the MLS Cup has featured a variety of clubs that have achieved success in the league, demonstrating both competitive matchups and significant moments in soccer history.

Recent champions include the 2024 LA Galaxy, who secured a 2-1 victory over NY Red Bulls in the final, and the 2023 Columbus Crew, who also won by a score of 2-1 against LAFC. In 2022, LAFC emerged victorious in a penalty shootout against the Philadelphia Union, highlighting the tense nature of playoff matches.

A noteworthy aspect of the league is the distinction between MLS Cup winners and Supporters Shield recipients. For example, Inter Miami won the Supporters Shield in 2024, yet this accolade doesn't guarantee success in the MLS Cup playoffs, which emphasizes the different challenges teams face in securing league titles versus playoff success.

This dynamic contributes to the competitive nature of Major League Soccer, ensuring that fans remain engaged and that the outcomes of tournaments are often unpredictable.

What Other Leagues Use a Playoff System?

Many soccer leagues across the globe implement playoff systems for various reasons, primarily to enhance competitive balance and increase viewer engagement. For instance, Liga MX in Mexico employs a Liguilla format following the regular season, where the top teams compete in knockout rounds to determine the champion.

Similarly, Australia’s A-League utilizes a postseason structured around knockout matches.

In Argentina, the Primera División organizes two tournaments annually, culminating in playoffs that identify the overall winner. This approach allows for multiple title opportunities within a single season.

The Belgian Pro League also incorporates a playoff system with "Playoff 1" and "Playoff 2," which determine the league champion and qualifying spots for continental competitions, respectively.

In Scotland, playoff systems serve the function of promoting teams from lower divisions, offering a competitive mechanism to enhance upward mobility among clubs.

This variety of playoff formats across different leagues showcases the diverse strategies employed to maintain competitive integrity and stimulate fan interest in soccer worldwide.

How MLS Works

Understanding the operational structure of Major League Soccer (MLS) can improve your comprehension of the league's dynamics.

MLS is made up of 30 clubs, organized into Eastern and Western Conferences, each participating in 34 regular-season matches. The postseason involves 18 teams vying for the MLS Cup Playoffs, with automatic qualifications for the top seven teams from each conference.

The teams finishing in eighth and ninth place engage in Wild Card matches to secure the final playoff positions.

The playoff format starts with a best-of-three series for the initial round, where the higher-seeded team hosts the odd-numbered games. Following this round, the competition shifts to single-elimination matches.

In the event of a tie during these knockout stages, the outcome is determined through penalty shootouts. Ultimately, this process culminates in the MLS Cup Final, where the league champion is decided.

This structured approach to competition is integral to understanding how teams advance and strategies employed during the season and playoffs.

Conclusion

In summary, the updated MLS playoff format adds excitement as 18 teams vie for the championship. With top seeds automatically qualifying and thrilling Wild Card matches, each round promises intense competition. The best-of-three series keeps fans on the edge of their seats, especially with penalty shootouts to decide tied games. Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team or just love the sport, the MLS playoffs deliver unforgettable moments leading up to the MLS Cup in December.