The 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs begin Thursday, November 19, with 18 teams competing for the league championship. The postseason runs through the MLS Cup Final on Friday, December 18.
2026 MLS Playoff Schedule: Key Dates
| Round | Dates |
|---|---|
| Wild Card | November 19 |
| Round One, Game 1 | November 21–24 |
| Round One, Game 2 | November 27–28 |
| Round One, Game 3 (if needed) | December 1–2 |
| Conference Semifinals | December 5–6 |
| Conference Finals | December 11–12 |
| MLS Cup Final | December 18 |
MLS Wild Card Games: November 19
- Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati — 7:30 p.m. ET
- Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake — 10 p.m. ET
Round One Game 1 Matchups and Times
Saturday, November 21
- New England Revolution vs. Philadelphia Union — 2 p.m. ET
- FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers — 4 p.m. ET
- Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew — 6 p.m. ET
Sunday, November 22
- Nashville SC vs. Eastern Wild Card winner — 4 p.m. ET
- Chicago Fire vs. Charlotte FC — 6:30 p.m. ET
- Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Western Wild Card winner — 8:30 p.m. ET
Monday, November 23
St. Louis CITY SC vs. LAFC — 8 p.m. ET.
Tuesday, November 24
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo — 10 p.m. ET.
Round One Game 2 Schedule
Friday, November 27
Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami — 8 p.m. ET.
Saturday, November 28
- Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire — 12:30 p.m. ET
- Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes — 2:30 p.m. ET
- Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution — 4:30 p.m. ET
- LAFC vs. St. Louis CITY SC — 8:30 p.m. ET
- Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas — 10:30 p.m. ET
Other Game 2 kickoff details are subject to confirmation. If necessary, deciding Game 3 matches take place December 1–2.
Inter Miami 2026 MLS Playoff Schedule
Inter Miami opens its best-of-three series against Columbus Crew at home on November 21 at 6 p.m. ET. Columbus hosts Game 2 on November 27 at 8 p.m. ET. A third match, if required, is expected December 1 or 2. The first club to win two games advances.
When Are the MLS Conference Semifinals and Finals?
The conference semifinals are scheduled for December 5–6, followed by the Eastern and Western Conference Finals December 11–12. These rounds are single-elimination.
When Is the 2026 MLS Cup Final?
MLS Cup 2026 is scheduled for Friday, December 18. The finalist with the better regular-season record hosts the championship game. The venue and exact kickoff will be confirmed once the finalists are known.
Where to Watch the 2026 MLS Playoffs
MLS postseason coverage is available through Apple TV, with select matches also carried by FOX Sports and FOX Deportes. Check official listings for game-specific assignments.
How Does the MLS Playoff Format Work?
Nine teams from each conference qualify. The eighth- and ninth-seeded clubs contest a single-elimination Wild Card match, with the winner joining seven other teams in Round One. Round One is best-of-three; the conference semifinals, conference finals and MLS Cup are single-elimination.
2026 MLS Playoffs FAQ
When do the playoffs start?
Thursday, November 19, 2026.
How many teams qualify?
18 teams, nine from each conference.
Is Inter Miami in the playoffs?
Yes. Inter Miami faces Columbus Crew in Round One beginning November 21.
When is MLS Cup?
Friday, December 18, 2026.
Where is the full bracket?
Visit the official MLS playoff page for updated matchups and results.
The Sports Cast will continue tracking the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.