2025 MLS Cup Playoffs: Exciting Matchups and Bracket Revealed
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are shaping up to be a real spectacle. There’s plenty of hype—intense matchups, wild storylines, and high-stakes soccer are all on the menu.
Decision Day wrapped up the regular season with a bang, and now the playoff bracket is locked in. Fans are in for a series of games that could be anything but predictable.
From the Eastern Conference to the Western, teams have clawed and battled to earn their places. The journey toward the MLS Cup trophy is officially underway.
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Eastern Conference Showdowns
The East has some juicy matchups lined up. Philadelphia Union, who snagged the Supporters’ Shield, are leading the charge after clinching their spot early.
They’ll wait for the winner of the wild card play-in between the Chicago Fire and Orlando City. Both finished with 53 points, so this one’s honestly tough to call.
There’s a lot riding on that wild card game. Both teams are desperate to move on and take a swing at the Union.
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew
FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew are set for another chapter of the *Hell Is Real* rivalry. Cincinnati locked up the second seed with 65 points; Columbus grabbed seventh with 54.
These two have a history, and it’s rarely dull. Expect a match with energy, drama, and probably a few surprises.
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC
Inter Miami, with Lionel Messi at the helm, face Nashville SC in the first round. The last time they met—Decision Day—Messi dropped a hat trick on Nashville.
Miami finished with 65 points, Nashville with 54. Miami also has the edge from their 2023 Leagues Cup final win over Nashville, so there’s some psychological weight here.
Charlotte FC vs. NYCFC
Charlotte FC and NYCFC are matched up in the 4-5 slot. Charlotte’s Wilfried Zaha will miss the first game thanks to a red card suspension, which stings.
Charlotte’s got something to prove, though, even with Zaha out. NYCFC will be eager to take advantage and grab an early lead in the series.
Western Conference Clashes
The West was just as wild, with teams scrapping for the last playoff spots. San Diego FC finished as the top seed, breaking records for wins and points in their first season.
They’ll face whoever survives the wild card between the Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake. Portland’s 4-0 loss to San Diego on the last day shoved them into the wild card, while Salt Lake squeaked in with a draw against St. Louis City.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas
Vancouver Whitecaps just missed the top spot and now take on FC Dallas. Ryan Gauld’s back from injury for Vancouver, which could change things.
Dallas climbed out of the wild card mess with a win over Vancouver in the regular season. They’ll want to do it again now that it really counts.
LAFC vs. Austin FC
LAFC’s got Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga leading the charge against Austin FC. Austin’s attack has been pretty anemic this year—just 37 goals, the lowest among playoff teams.
If Austin wants to hang with LAFC, they’ll need to find some goals from somewhere. If Vancouver and LAFC both move on, we might get a Müller vs. Son showdown in the semis—now that’d be something to see.
Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders
Minnesota United will have home-field advantage against the Seattle Sounders, who won the Leagues Cup. Seattle had their seeding locked in before Decision Day but still managed to beat NYCFC.
Minnesota’s got to make the most of playing at home and hope they can outfox the Sounders’ experience.
Key Dates and Schedule
The playoffs start with wild card games on October 22. Then it’s on to the first round—best-of-three series—running from October 24 to November 9.
Conference semifinals and finals are single games, set for November 22-23 and November 29-30. The MLS Cup final? December 6 at 2:30 p.m. ET, at the home stadium of whichever finalist had the better regular-season record.
Wild Card Matches
- October 22, 8:30 p.m. ET: Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City
- October 22, 10:30 p.m. ET: Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake
First Round (Best of Three)
- October 24, 8 p.m. ET: Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC
- October 26, 5:30 p.m. ET: Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago/Orlando
- October 26, 7:30 p.m. ET: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas
- October 26, 9:30 p.m. ET: San Diego FC vs. Portland/Salt Lake
- October 27, 6:45 p.m. ET: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew
- October 27, 9 p.m. ET: Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders
- October 28, 6:45 p.m. ET: Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC
- October 29, 10:30 p.m. ET: LAFC vs. Austin FC
Game Two and Game Three (if needed) are already penciled in, so there’s a real chance for some wild deciders. Fans might want to keep their calendars clear—this road to the MLS Cup could get pretty unpredictable.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are shaping up to be a wild ride. Every team’s got its own story and strengths this season.
In the East, you’ve got the Philadelphia Union and FC Cincinnati ready to throw down. Out West, San Diego FC and LAFC are looking to make some noise.
Fans are counting down the days. The buzz for big moments and high-stakes matches is real.
If you want the full playoff schedule and all the matchups, check out the New York Times.
