MLS uses a knockout system that’s different from most soccer tournaments around the world. The first round is played as a best-of-three series. The higher-seeded team hosts Game 1, then the lower seed hosts Game 2.
Draws are not allowed in these matches. If a game is tied at the end of regulation, it goes straight to a penalty shootout to determine a winner. If one team wins both of the first two matches, they advance automatically. If each team wins one, a decisive third match is played at the stadium of the higher seed.
Starting in the Conference Semifinals, the format becomes single-elimination, with the higher seed hosting a one-off match. Those four games will be played between November 22 and 23. The winners will move on to the Conference Finals, scheduled for November 29 and 30, also in a single-match format. The MLS Cup Final will then take place on Saturday, December 6.
MLS first-round playoff matchups
In the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami vs Nashville SC stands out as one of the most intriguing first-round matchups in the MLS playoffs. But several other clashes are also worth watching. To start, Chicago Fire and Orlando City will face off to determine the final spot among the eight playoff teams—knowing that the winner will face Supporters’ Shield champions Philadelphia Union in the next round.
The Eastern Conference matchups are:
- FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew
- Inter Miami vs Nashville SC
- Charlotte FC vs New York City FC
- Philadelphia Union vs Orlando City/Chicago Fire
In the Western Conference, the matchups will be:
- San Diego FC vs Real Salt Lake/Portland
- Los Angeles FC vs Austin FC
- Minnesota United vs Seattle Sounders
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs FC Dallas