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The 2026 MLS regular season has wrapped up, with 12 clubs bowing out of contention and 18 preparing to resume play after the November international break. Focus now shifts to the MLS Cup playoffs, which promise a number of compelling matchups.
In the East, Nashville SC await the wild-card winner between Orlando City and FC Cincinnati, while defending champions Inter Miami face the league's hottest side, Columbus Crew. New England Revolution will square off against Philadelphia Union in a clash of emerging USMNT talent.
In the West, Seattle Sounders host the wild card clash against Real Salt Lake, with the victor set to meet Vancouver Whitecaps. San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo will also collide in the first round in what promises to be an unpredictable affair.
Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming MLS Cup playoffs, including the full bracket and schedule.
2026 MLS Cup Playoffs: Bracket, Schedule
IT'S THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR 🔥
The 2026 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are LOCKED IN. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/SjSmqJXb2B
Following the wild card games on Nov. 19, the Round One best-of-three matchups will run from Nov. 20 through Dec. 2, with the higher-seeded team hosting the first and third matches (if required).
The conference semifinals are scheduled for Dec. 5 and Dec. 6, with the conference finals on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. The eagerly awaited MLS Cup final is set for Dec. 18.
This marks the last MLS Cup playoffs to be held in winter, as the league transitions to a fall-to-spring format in 2027 to align more closely with the European calendar. Ultimately, it will come down to which teams can thrive in the cold and which players have the nerve to deliver when it matters most.
2026 MLS Cup Playoffs: Key Matches
Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew: The Unstoppable Force vs. the Immovable Object
Since Lionel Messi's arrival in South Florida, Inter Miami have claimed a major trophy each year: the Leagues Cup (2023), the Supporters' Shield (2024), and the MLS Cup (2025). But to extend that run and become the first side to successfully defend the title since LA Galaxy in 2011–12, they'll first need to overcome the league's most in-form team.
In just over two months, Columbus Crew have climbed from the bottom of the Eastern Conference to seventh place. They've strung together six consecutive wins—scoring three or more in four of them—and have every reason to believe they can trouble a Miami side that has been inconsistent throughout the year.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, have been leaking goals of late. They've conceded at least two in five of their last 10 matches, and even when a comfortable 3–0 win seemed assured on Decision Day, they surrendered three straight goals to Charlotte FC. The Herons look shaky at the back, and Columbus could exploit those defensive vulnerabilities to pull off an upset.
Chicago Fire vs. Charlotte FC: Lewandowski Firing, but Defense Remains Concern
OH MY BRAIS MÉNDEZ!
As it stands, @ColumbusCrew would avoid the Wildcard match with a win. 👀 pic.twitter.com/PCp4BwiqnH
Midway through the season, Chicago Fire opted to sell leading MLS scorer Hugo Cuypers and bring in Robert Lewandowski. That gamble is beginning to pay off: after six matches without a goal, Lewandowski contributed a goal and an assist at Colorado Rapids before netting two penalties against Columbus.
But signing one of the greatest strikers of the modern era is one thing—building a solid defensive unit around him is another. Chicago have struggled to find that balance, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches and conceding 10 goals across their last four outings.
Charlotte will look to capitalize on their attacking momentum and take advantage of Chicago's defensive vulnerabilities, having netted 11 goals in their last three games. We're backing Charlotte to win the series in three and claim their first-ever playoff series victory.
FC Cincinnati vs. Orlando City: Lions' Away Struggles to Continue in Ohio?
Last season, Orlando City finished ninth in the Eastern Conference and fell 3–1 to Chicago in the wild card round. They risk a similar outcome this year, with the Lions set to face a rejuvenated Cincinnati side that has collected 10 points from their last five matches.
Despite the mid-season addition of Antoine Griezmann, Orlando failed to secure an automatic playoff spot, largely due to their poor form away from home. They've managed just three wins on the road, drawing four and losing 10, conceding an average of 3.29 goals per away match. Their last trip to Cincinnati ended in a 6–2 defeat.
There's only so much Griezmann can do to mask the underlying issues.
FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers: Can Musa Lead Dallas to Victory?
FC Dallas will be aiming to dispatch Portland Timbers and advance to the Western Conference semifinals, with Petar Musa expected to be the key figure in making that happen.
The Croatian striker has accumulated 59 goals and 16 assists across 100 appearances, with only Lionel Messi surpassing his MLS goal tally this season (26 vs. 22). Since arriving from Benfica, Musa has scored in three of four meetings against Portland, and in their most recent encounter, he provided the assist for Jorge Valentie's decisive goal.
Dallas have won six of their last seven home fixtures against Portland, and there's good reason to expect more of the same. While Portland carry momentum from four straight wins, they may lack the firepower to contain Musa, and that could prove to be the decisive factor.
St. Louis CITY vs. LAFC: Can LAFC Shake Off Recent Struggles?
It has been a dramatic collapse for LAFC. Following a dismal run of results, LAFC dismissed manager Marc Dos Santos on Sep. 27 and appointed Xavi Tamarit as his replacement. However, the change has yet to spark a revival, with the Black and Gold managing just four points from four matches before suffering defeats to Minnesota and Seattle.
They now travel to St. Louis CITY, a side chasing their first-ever playoff series win. After a remarkable unbeaten run and a landmark night in which they lifted the U.S. Open Cup—the club's maiden trophy—St. Louis hit a rough patch with four straight losses before snatching a last-gasp win in Houston on Decision Day.
Unless LAFC can finally unlock the potential of attacking stars Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-min, St. Louis look well-placed to advance. Buoyed by confidence from their last meeting with LAFC, the home side should have the edge.