2025 MLS playoffs preview: Matchups, schedule, how to watch and more originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Sixteen teams, one goal: Hoist the MLS Cup.
The 2025 MLS playoffs are now underway with a new winner set to be crowned in the final. Last season saw the LA Galaxy extend its league record to six Cups in a final win over the New York Red Bulls, but neither team qualified for this year’s bracket.
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Instead, the Philadelphia Union won the Supporters’ Shield and are the No. 1 seed out East, while debutants San Diego FC rose to the summit of the Western Conference.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are seeking the franchise’s first Cup win, but will need to do so as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference. Miami last season were stunned by No. 8 Atlanta in the first round.
The West’s No. 3 seed is just as much of a true contender. With Son Heung-min’s addition helping carve up the league, both the South Korean star and Denis Bouanga lead a threatening LAFC attack that’s tough to stop.
From the matchups to the bracket and more, here’s what to know for the 2025 MLS playoffs:
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What is the 2025 MLS playoff bracket?
Here’s a look at the 16-team bracket, with the Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers grabbing each No. 8 seed through the wild-card round:
Western Conference
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No. 1 San Diego vs. No. 8 Portland Timbers
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No. 4 Minnesota United vs. No. 5 Seattle Sounders
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No. 2 Vancouver Whitecaps vs. No. 7 FC Dallas
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No. 3 LAFC vs. No. 6 Austin
Eastern Conference
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No. 1 Philadelphia Union vs. No. 8 Chicago Fire
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No. 4 Charlotte vs. No. 5 NYCFC
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No. 2 FC Cincinnati vs. No. 7 Columbus Crew
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No. 3 Inter Miami vs. No. 6 Nashville
Ten of the 16 teams have never won the MLS Cup: San Diego, Minnesota, Vancouver, Dallas, Austin, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Miami and Nashville.
What is the MLS playoff format?
The first round of the playoffs features a best-of-three series. The ensuing conference semifinals, conference finals and MLS Cup Final are just one game each, with the higher seed/record hosting.
In the first round, there are no aggregate scores. If a game is tied, it will proceed directly to penalties to determine the winner. The higher seed hosts Games 1 and 3, if necessary, while the lower seed hosts Game 2.
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What is the 2025 MLS playoffs schedule?
Here’s a breakdown of when each round will take place:
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Round 1 best-of-3 series: Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Nov. 9
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Conference semifinals: Saturday, November 22 – Sunday, November 23
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Conference finals: Saturday, Nov. 29 – Sunday, Nov. 30
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MLS Cup Final: Saturday, Dec. 6
The game-by-game schedule can be viewed here.
Where to watch, stream 2025 MLS playoff games
Playoff games will be streamed and broadcast on the MLS Season Pass via Apple, Apple TV and Fox Sports 1. Fox Deportes will air some games in Spanish.
When is the 2025 MLS Cup Final?
The league’s winner will be decided on Saturday, Dec. 6.
