The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are set to deliver thrilling soccer action as Major League Soccer (MLS) teams battle for the coveted MLS Cup, the league’s ultimate prize. As the regular season wraps on Decision Day, October 18, 2025, the postseason will answer the questions fans are searching for — how the MLS Cup playoffs work, which qualified teams made the bracket, and a clear playoff format explained — while promising standout performances, dramatic matches, and memorable moments.
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, including the tournament structure, qualified teams, schedule, standings, top scorers, and where to watch.
2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Tournament Overview
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs mark the culmination of the MLS season, where the top teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences compete for the MLS Cup, awarded on December 6, 2025.
The playoffs feature a mix of single-elimination and best-of-three series, showcasing the best of MLS in a high-stakes format.
The postseason begins with Wild Card matches on October 22, 2025, and concludes with the MLS Cup final, hosted by the finalist with the better regular-season record. Expect fierce rivalries, dramatic goals, and a showcase of talent, including stars like Lionel Messi and rising young players.
2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Latest Update
The playoff race is heating up as the regular season nears its end. Key developments include:
- FC Cincinnati secured their playoff spot with a dramatic 2-1 win over Nashville SC, thanks to a 90+8-minute goal from Evander, a contender for MLS MVP.
- New York City FC clinched their ninth playoff appearance in 11 seasons with a 2-0 victory against Charlotte FC, bolstered by a strong defensive unit led by Thiago Martins and goalkeeper Matt Freese.
- Inter Miami CF, led by Lionel Messi, is on the verge of clinching a playoff spot with a win or draw against D.C. United, aiming for a second straight MLS Supporters’ Shield.
- The Philadelphia Union became the first Eastern Conference team to secure a 2025 playoff berth, marking their seventh appearance in eight years.
- San Diego FC made history by clinching a playoff spot in their inaugural season, leading the Western Conference with 57 points.
- Seattle Sounders FC is close to locking in their postseason berth, with key players Albert Rusnák and Jordan Morris returning to form.
- The playoff race remains tight, with teams like Charlotte FC, Orlando City, and Austin FC pushing for top seeds and home-field advantage.
Teams
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs feature the top nine teams from each conference (Eastern and Western), totaling 18 teams. As of now, confirmed qualifiers include:
- Eastern Conference: Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, New York City FC
- Western Conference: San Diego FC
- Teams on the Verge: Inter Miami CF, Seattle Sounders FC, Charlotte FC, Orlando City, Austin FC
Teams ranked 1-7 in each conference automatically qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 Series, while the 8th and 9th seeds compete in single-elimination Wild Card matches.
Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, and San Diego FC, led by Anders Dreyer, are among the top favorites, but the playoff race remains wide open as Decision Day draws near.
Tournament Structure
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs follow a structured format:
- Wild Card Matches (October 22, 2025): Single-elimination games between the 8th and 9th seeds in each conference, hosted by the higher seed. Winners advance to face the No. 1 seed in Round One.
- Round One Best-of-3 Series (October 24 – November 9, 2025): The top seven teams per conference, plus Wild Card winners, compete in best-of-three series. The higher seed hosts Game 1, the lower seed hosts Game 2, and the higher seed hosts Game 3 (if necessary).
- Conference Semifinals (November 22-23, 2025): Single-elimination matches hosted by the higher seed.
- Conference Finals (November 29-30, 2025): Single-elimination matches, with hosting rights based on regular-season records.
- MLS Cup Final (December 6, 2025): A single match hosted by the finalist with the better regular-season record, crowning the MLS champion.
This format ensures every Round One team plays at least one home game, adding to the intensity of the postseason.
Schedule / Fixtures
Key dates for the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs:
- Decision Day: October 18, 2025 – Final regular-season matches determine playoff seeds and Supporters’ Shield winner.
- Wild Card Matches: October 22, 2025
- Round One Best-of-3 Series: October 24 – November 9, 2025
- Conference Semifinals: November 22-23, 2025
- Conference Finals: November 29-30, 2025
- MLS Cup Final: December 6, 2025
Specific fixtures and matchups will be finalized after Decision Day, with the full bracket announced by MLS.
Standings
Orlando City and Charlotte FC are battling for home-field advantage, while teams like D.C. United have already been eliminated.
By September 24, 2025, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape.
Eastern Conference:
Here are the current Eastern Conference MLS standings for the top teams, formatted for clarity and SEO-friendly usage:
| Pos | Team | Pld | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philadelphia Union (A) | 31 | 60 |
| 2 | FC Cincinnati (A) | 31 | 58 |
| 3 | Charlotte FC (A) | 31 | 53 |
| 4 | New York City FC (A) | 30 | 53 |
| 5 | Inter Miami CF | 28 | 52 |
| 6 | Orlando City SC | 30 | 51 |
| 7 | Nashville SC | 31 | 50 |
| 8 | Columbus Crew | 31 | 50 |
| 9 | Chicago Fire FC | 30 | 45 |
Western Conference:
Here are the current MLS Western Conference standings for the top teams, reflecting the latest matches up to September 24, 2025:
| Pos | Team | Pld | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Diego FC (A) | 31 | 57 |
| 2 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC (A) | 29 | 55 |
| 3 | Minnesota United FC (A) | 31 | 54 |
| 4 | Los Angeles FC (A) | 29 | 50 |
| 5 | Seattle Sounders FC | 30 | 45 |
| 6 | Austin FC | 30 | 44 |
| 7 | Portland Timbers | 30 | 42 |
| 8 | Colorado Rapids | 31 | 39 |
| 9 | FC Dallas | 30 | 37 |
Top Scorers
The 2025 MLS Golden Boot race, presented by Audi, is led by:
- Sam Surridge (Nashville SC): 21 goals, including a recent hat-trick in the US Open Cup semifinal.
- Other notable scorers include:
- Evander (FC Cincinnati): Key playoff performer and MVP candidate.
- Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC): A standout in the Western Conference.
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF): A consistent threat, despite not leading the Golden Boot race.
These players are expected to shine in the playoffs, driving their teams’ championship hopes.
Where to Watch 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
Every 2025 MLS Cup Playoff match, including the MLS Cup final, is available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, accessible in over 100 countries. Features include:
- Commentary in English and Spanish.
- Option for home team radio broadcasts in the U.S. and Canada.
- Available on Apple devices, Android devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, set-top boxes, game consoles, DIRECTV, Xfinity, and tv.apple.com.
Select playoff games, including the MLS Cup, will also air on FOX Sports in the U.S. and TSN/RDS in Canada.
As a promotional offer, Apple has made Wild Card matches and Game 1 of each Round One series free to watch, even without an MLS Season Pass subscription.
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to the MLS season, with powerhouse teams like Inter Miami, FC Cincinnati, and San Diego FC leading the charge.
With an exciting format, a jam-packed schedule, and worldwide streaming options, fans everywhere can enjoy every moment. Stay updated on all the latest news and catch every moment of the action with MLS Season Pass. Who will claim the MLS Cup on December 6, 2025?