The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs officially begin with two single-elimination Wild Card matchups, as teams battle for a chance to advance to Round One and keep their championship hopes alive.
In the Eastern Conference, the No. 8 Chicago Fire will host the No. 9 Orlando City SC at 8:30 p.m. ET, while the Western Conference showdown features the No. 8 Portland Timbers hosting No. 9 Real Salt Lake at 10:30 p.m. ET.
The stakes couldn’t be higher — both matchups are win-or-go-home, with the victors moving on to face higher-seeded opponents when Round One begins Friday.
Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City: Eastern Wild Card Showdown
The Chicago Fire return to the postseason looking to capitalize on home-field advantage at Soldier Field. Meanwhile, Orlando City SC enters the matchup hungry for redemption after a rollercoaster regular season.
This East Wild Card clash features two sides built for attack — expect fireworks from Chicago’s dynamic forward line and Orlando’s resilient counterattack. The winner earns a ticket to Round One and a renewed shot at MLS Cup glory.
Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake: Western Battle Under the Lights
In the nightcap, the Portland Timbers welcome Real Salt Lake to Providence Park for a late-night West Coast showdown. Portland’s passionate fanbase will look to propel the Timbers forward, while Salt Lake’s disciplined defense and set-piece prowess could make this one of the most tactical battles of the postseason.
The winner advances to face one of the West’s top seeds, setting up an intense Round One matchup starting Friday.
The Road to MLS Cup Begins
The Wild Card round marks the official start of the MLS Cup Playoffs, where every minute counts and every goal could be the difference between celebration and elimination. With single-elimination drama and back-to-back prime-time matchups, the stage is set for another thrilling postseason as the road to the MLS Cup 2025 begins.