The Road to Glory: Decoding the MLS Playoff Bracket and the Quest for the MLS Cup!
The MLS playoff bracket has truly delivered, narrowing down the field to an electrifying final four! After a brief pause for the November FIFA international break, the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs roared back to life, setting the stage for two unmissable Conference Finals. This year’s tournament has been a rollercoaster of upsets, heroic performances, and unforgettable moments, all building towards the ultimate prize: the MLS Cup.
The Final Four: Who’s Left Standing?
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with only four teams remaining on the MLS playoff bracket, each dreaming of hoisting the coveted trophy. For most, this marks their deepest run yet, highlighting the competitive spirit across the league.
Eastern Conference Showdown: Messi’s Miami vs. Resilient NYCFC
In the Eastern Conference, all eyes are on Lionel Messi and his formidable Inter Miami squad. They face an unexpected challenge from the New York City FC, a team that, despite being shorthanded, has defied expectations. NYCFC, the 2021 champions, are the only remaining team with prior experience at this stage, adding an intriguing layer to this matchup.
Western Conference Battle: San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Out West, it’s a clash of titans as the top two seeds go head-to-head. Expansion sensation San Diego FC, having stormed through the season, will test their mettle against the sturdy Vancouver Whitecaps. Both teams have shown incredible form, promising a thrilling contest for a spot in the final.
Recapping the Thrilling Conference Semifinals
The Conference Semifinals were nothing short of spectacular, delivering drama and unforgettable performances that reshaped the MLS playoff bracket.
Drama in the West: Whitecaps Prevail, LAFC Falls
The Western Conference kicked off with an instant classic. Son Heung-min’s heroics, including a stunning equalizer from a free kick in second-half stoppage time, kept LAFC’s hopes alive and forced extra time. However, it was the Vancouver Whitecaps who ultimately prevailed in a tense penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, sending Son & Co. out of the competition and securing their place in the Conference Finals.
Messi’s Masterclass and NYCFC’s Upset in the East
Lionel Messi continued his extraordinary impact, scoring a goal and assisting on three others in Inter Miami’s dominant 4-0 victory over FC Cincinnati. Messi’s incredible streak of being directly involved in every single one of Inter Miami’s playoff goals (now at 12!) shows no signs of slowing down.
The biggest surprise, however, came when the Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union were ousted by NYCFC. Despite losing their star striker, Alonso Martínez, to injury, veteran Maxi Moralez delivered the decisive goal, and U.S. No. 1 Matt Freese made crucial saves in a 1-0 triumph. NYCFC’s resilience has set up a captivating trip south to Miami.
San Diego FC’s Dominance Continues
The final conference semifinal saw the Western Conference’s No. 1 seed, expansion side San Diego FC, defeat Minnesota United 1-0. MLS Newcomer of the Year Anders Dreyer once again proved to be the difference-maker, securing San Diego’s spot and continuing their impressive debut season.
The Ultimate Prize: Hosting the MLS Cup
At this stage of the MLS playoffs, every match is a single-elimination battle. The team with the best regular-season record among the finalists will earn the coveted right to host the MLS Cup on December 6th, just a day after the 2026 World Cup draw. Should Inter Miami advance, Messi & Co. would host the final, given their superior regular-season points compared to any remaining Western Conference side. Imagine the atmosphere!
Full MLS Playoff Bracket: The Journey So Far and What’s Next
Here’s a look at how the MLS playoff bracket has unfolded and the thrilling matchups yet to come (Updated as of Nov. 24):
First Round (Best of Three): Oct. 24-Nov. 9
- Game One:
- Oct. 24: Inter Miami 3, Nashville SC 1
- Oct. 26: Philadelphia Union 2, Chicago Fire 2 (Philadelphia wins 4-2 on PKs)
- Oct. 26: Vancouver Whitecaps 3, FC Dallas 0
- Oct. 26: San Diego FC 2, Portland Timbers 1
- Oct. 27: FC Cincinnati 1, Columbus Crew 0
- Oct. 27: Minnesota United 0, Seattle Sounders 0 (Minnesota wins 3-2 on PKs)
- Oct. 28: Charlotte FC 0, New York City FC 1
- Oct. 29: LAFC 2, Austin FC 1
- Game Two:
- Nov. 1: New York City FC 0, Charlotte FC 0 (Charlotte wins 7-6 on PKs)
- Nov. 1: Chicago Fire 0, Philadelphia Union 3
- Nov. 1: Nashville SC 2, Inter Miami 1
- Nov. 1: FC Dallas 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 1 (Vancouver wins 4-2 on PKs)
- Nov. 1: Portland Timbers 2, San Diego FC 2 (Portland wins 3-2 on PKs)
- Nov. 2: Columbus Crew 4, FC Cincinnati 0
- Nov. 2: Austin FC 1, LAFC 4
- Nov. 3: Seattle Sounders 4, Minnesota United 2
- Game Three:
- Nov. 7: Charlotte FC 1, New York City FC 3
- Nov. 8: Minnesota United 3, Seattle Sounders 3 (Minnesota wins 7-6 on PKs)
- Nov. 8: FC Cincinnati 2, Columbus Crew 1
- Nov. 8: Inter Miami 4, Nashville SC 0
- Nov. 9: San Diego 4, Portland Timbers 0
Conference Semifinals (Single Match): Nov. 22-24
- Nov. 22: Vancouver Whitecaps 2, LAFC 2 AET (Vancouver wins 4-3 in PKs)
- Nov. 23: FC Cincinnati 0, Inter Miami 4
- Nov. 23: Philadelphia Union 0, NYCFC 1
- Nov. 24: San Diego FC 1, Minnesota United 0
Upcoming Conference Finals (Single Match): Nov. 29
- 6 p.m. ET: Inter Miami vs. NYCFC
- 9 p.m. ET: San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
2025 MLS Cup Final: Dec. 6
- 2:30 p.m. ET: Inter Miami/NYCFC vs. San Diego FC/Vancouver Whitecaps
Don’t Miss the Climax of the MLS Season!
The journey to the MLS Cup is heating up, promising more incredible moments as teams vie for the ultimate glory. Will Messi lead Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup, or will an underdog story emerge? Keep an eye on the updated MLS playoff bracket and prepare for an exhilarating conclusion to the season! For more official details and future schedules, visit the Official MLS Website and stay tuned to major sports news outlets like ESPN MLS for comprehensive coverage.
