MLS Cup 2025 - Playoffs Format, Schedule, Date, Time & Everything You Should Know

How Does the MLS Playoffs Format Work?

MLS is divided into two conferences, Western and Eastern. The top seven places in the standings advance directly to the quarter-finals, while the eighth and ninth places compete for the spot in a direct elimination match, known as the wildcard.

• Western Conference Wildcard: Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake.
• Eastern Conference Wildcard: Chicago Fire FC vs. Orlando City.

Once the quarter-finals are set, each of those matchups will be decided in a best-of-three game round.

The winners of these three games will qualify for the conference semifinals, which are decided in a single elimination match.

Then come the conference finals, which are also decided in a single match, and from there, the two champions from both the Western and Eastern conferences emerge. Each champion receives their respective trophy.

The two conference champions face each other in the MLS Cup, and there the absolute league champion is decided.

What are the MLS Playoffs Dates and Times?

The MLS playoffs, considering the wildcard games, will take place from October 22 to November 30.

• October 22: Wildcard matches (single-elimination matches).
• October 24-November 9: Round 1 (best-of-three series).
• November 22-23: Conference semifinals (single-elimination matches).
• November 29-30: Conference finals (single-elimination matches).

The times will vary depending on the matches, and range from 12:30 pm PT / 3:30 pm ET to 8:30 pm PT / 11:30 pm ET. You can check all the details here.

What is the 2025 MLS Cup Date and Time?

• December 6: MLS Cup (single match).

The exact time it's still to be defined.