The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are set to deliver another thrilling postseason as Major League Soccer crowns its next champion. Fans can mark their calendars, as the action begins on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, with the Wild Card matches leading into a month-long knockout journey that culminates in the MLS Cup Final on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
MLS Cup Playoffs 2025 Format
The playoffs will once again feature the Wild Card round before moving into the Round One Best-of-3 Series, followed by the Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and finally the championship match. This structure ensures plenty of drama and opportunities for underdogs to pull off big upsets on the road to the Cup.
2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Key Dates
- Decision Day – Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Wild Card Matches – Wednesday, October 22, 2025
- Round One Best-of-3 Series – Friday, October 24 – Sunday, November 9, 2025
- Conference Semifinals – Saturday, November 22 – Sunday, November 23, 2025
- Conference Finals – Saturday, November 29 – Sunday, November 30, 2025
- MLS Cup Final – Saturday, December 6, 2025
What Fans Can Expect
With Decision Day wrapping up the regular season, playoff intensity will be at its peak. The Wild Card matches provide instant win-or-go-home stakes, while the Best-of-3 series in Round One guarantees more matchups between rivals. From there, the Semifinals and Conference Finals set the stage for the biggest MLS showcase of the year: the MLS Cup Final on December 6.
Why It Matters
The MLS Cup Playoffs are not just about crowning a champion—they showcase the league’s growing depth and talent. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America on the horizon, many U.S. and Canadian players will be looking to make their mark ahead of the world’s biggest stage.
