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Major League Soccer unveiled a new playoff format that received mixed reviews when first revealed before the start of the 2023 regular season. However, looking back, it has undeniably provided an enjoyable experience. The unorthodox best-of-three series round one brought some highly entertaining goal-fests, with plenty at stake in every tie.
A total of 18 teams vied for the MLS Cup, with several having booked their spots in the postseason at the last possible moment on Decision Day. But, as we all know, only two remain with a chance to lift MLS' ultimate prize after a hotly-contested playoff round.
Here's the rundown of the MLS playoff schedule, format and bracket in the quest for the MLS Cup.
What is the MLS playoff format?
The MLS playoffs feature a total of 18 teams, seven from both the Eastern and Western Conferences directly qualify for Round One of the playoffs. The bottom two of both conferences will play against each other in a single-elimination Wild Card Playoff.
Round One will be a best-of-three clash where Seed 1 will play Seed 8 and so on for the other seeds.
The winners of the Round One contest will advance to the Conference Semifinals, which will be a single-legged affair with the higher seed hosting the game. The same will be the format for the Conference Final and the MLS Cup Final.
Which teams qualified for the MLS playoffs?
Place | Eastern Conference | Western Conference |
|---|---|---|
1 | FC Cincinnati | St. Louis City |
2 | Orlando City | Seattle Sounders |
3 | Columbus Crew | LAFC |
4 | Philadelphia Union | Houston Dynamo |
5 | New England Revolution | Real Salt Lake |
6 | Atlanta United | Vancouver Whitecaps |
7 | Nashville FC | FC Dallas |
8 | NY Red Bulls | Sporting Kansas City |
9 | Charlotte FC | San Jose Earthquakes |
When is the MLS Cup final?
The MLS Cup final is scheduled for December 9.
Columbus Crew will host the MLS Cup game against Los Angeles FC.
MLS Playoffs schedule
Wild Card Playoff
| Date | Match | Time | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 25 | NY Red Bulls 5-2 Charlotte FC | 7:30 pm ET | Apple TV |
| October 26 | Sporting KC 0-0 (4-2P) San Jose Earthquakes | 9:30 pm ET | Apple TV |
New York Red Bulls made light work of Charlotte in the Eastern Conference Wildcard round, defeating them 5-2, while Sporting Kansas City needed penalties to progress past the San Jose Earthquakes.
Round One (Eastern Conference)
| Series | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati 2-0 New York Red Bulls | 3-0 | 1-1 (8-7) | - |
| Orlando City 2-0 Nashville | 2-0 | 1-0 | - |
| Columbus Crew 2-1 Atlanta United | 1-0 | 2-4 | 4-2 |
| Philadelphia Union 2-0 New England Revolution | 3-1 | 1-0 | - |
*If the series is tied.
Round One (Western Conference)
| Series | Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3* |
|---|---|---|---|
| St Louis City 0-2 Sporting Kansas City | 1-4 | 1-2 | - |
| Seattle Sounders 2-1 FC Dallas | 2-0 | 1-3 | 1-0 |
| Los Angeles 2-0 Vancouver Whitecaps | 5-2 | 1-0 | - |
| Houston Dynamo 2-1 Real Salt Lake | 2-1 | 1-1 (4-5) | 1-1 (5-4) |
*If a series is tied
Conference Semifinals
| Date | Game | Time | TV & stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 25 | Orlando City 0-2 Columbus Crew (aet) | 5:30pm ET | Apple TV |
| Nov 25 | Cincinnati 1-0 Philadelphia Union | 8pm ET | Apple TV |
| Nov 26 | Sporting Kansas City 1-0 Houston Dynamo | 7pm ET | Apple TV |
| Nov 26 | Los Angeles FC 1-0 Seattle Sounders | 9:30pm ET | Apple TV |
Conference Finals
| Date | Game | Kick-off time | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2 | Cincinnati 2-3 Columbus Crew (aet) | 6:00pm ET | Apple TV |
| December 2 | Los Angeles FC 2-0 Houston Dynamo | 9:30 pm ET | Apple TV |
MLS Cup 2023
| Date | Game | Kick-off time | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 9 | Columbus Crew vs Los Angeles | 4:00pm ET | Apple TV |
Where to watch the MLS Cup playoffs on TV & stream live
The MLS Cup playoff games will be available to stream live exclusively worldwide on Apple TV, with the MLS Season Pass.
Who won the MLS Cup last season?
Los Angeles FC won the MLS Cup in 2022, defeating Philadelphia Union in the final. It was LAFC's first MLS Cup title.
Featuring Gareth Bale in their team, they beat El Trafico rivals LA Galaxy and Austin on the way to glory.
MLS Cup 2023 prize money: How much do the winners get?
As the Major League Soccer lacks a conventional promotion or relegation system, clubs aren't awarded money based on their conference position as seen in the majority of top-five European Leagues. However, MLS does hand out financial incentives for certain achievements, including winning the MLS Cup or reaching the playoffs.