Everything You Need to Know About the MLS Playoffs

If you’re a soccer fan in North America, the MLS playoffs are the biggest event of the year. After a long regular season, the top teams battle it out for the championship trophy. It’s a knockout format, so every game feels like a final. Below we break down how teams get there, what the bracket looks like, and where you can catch all the action.

How Teams Qualify

The league is split into two conferences – Eastern and Western. At the end of the regular season, the top seven clubs from each side earn a spot. The team with the best record in each conference grabs the first‑round bye, meaning they skip the opening match and head straight to the Conference Semifinals.

The remaining six teams per conference are seeded 2 through 7 based on points. They face off in single‑elimination games: the 2nd seed hosts the 7th, the 3rd hosts the 6th, and the 4th hosts the 5th. Winners move on to meet the top seed in the next round.

Bracket Format and Key Dates

The playoffs run over four weeks. Week 1 features the opening round across both conferences. Week 2 brings the Conference Semifinals, also single‑match affairs hosted by the higher seed. Week 3 is the Conference Finals – the winners become Eastern and Western champions.

Week 4 crowns the MLS Cup champion in a neutral venue decided before the season starts. The league usually announces exact dates in late summer, but you can expect the whole postseason to finish by early December.

Because each round is a one‑off match, there’s no room for error. Upsets happen often – lower seeds love the underdog role and have knocked out top teams many times. That unpredictability makes the MLS playoffs a must‑watch.

If you’re wondering where to watch, most games air on ESPN+, Fox Sports, or local broadcast partners depending on your market. The final is typically streamed live on ESPN+ in the U.S. and on TSN in Canada. A quick check of your cable guide will tell you if a game is on free‑to‑air TV.

For fans attending in person, tickets go fast once the brackets are set. Early bird sales usually open right after the regular season ends, so snag yours ASAP if you want to be part of the stadium buzz.

Finally, keep an eye on the top performers. Players who shine in the playoffs often boost their market value and earn spots on national teams. Watching breakout stars can give you a leg up on fantasy leagues too.

The MLS playoffs bring drama, goals, and a chance for clubs to write history. Whether you’re cheering from your couch or cheering in the stands, knowing how the format works lets you enjoy every moment without missing a beat.