MLS Cup Final Host Cities Revealed: Breaking Down Every Possible Scenario Before Conference Semifinals Kick Off
The Major League Soccer Cup championship match is drawing near as most teams remain in contention to serve as hosts for the December showdown.
MLS postseason competition features a distinctive structure with varying formats across different rounds. The opening round utilized a best-of-three format where the top-seeded team hosted the first and third games. The tournament now transitions to single-elimination matches for all remaining rounds.
Conference semifinal and championship games are held at the venue of the higher-ranked seed, however when the MLS Cup championship arrives, the Supporters' Shield rankings become the determining factor.
Below is the comprehensive analysis of MLS Cup championship hosting priorities for the eight clubs still competing in the postseason tournament.
Eastern Conference Analysis
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Philadelphia maintains hosting privileges for all remaining matches after capturing the Supporters' Shield, the trophy awarded to the club earning the most regular season points. Should they reach the MLS Cup championship, the match will take place at Subaru Park.
New York City will play away for all subsequent games. They represent the lowest-seeded club among all remaining teams in both conferences.
FC Cincinnati will welcome Inter Miami for the semifinals and would host NYCFC should they overcome Philadelphia. The MLS Cup championship would occur at TQL Stadium if they advance, given their superior finish compared to all Western Conference teams. Miami would similarly host the MLS Cup championship if they qualify.
MLS Cup Hosting Priority
Western Conference Analysis
Western Conference Semifinals
The Western Conference presents clear-cut hosting situations.
Throughout the remaining conference playoff rounds, San Diego FC maintains priority as the number one seed. Should they fall to Minnesota United, the victor between Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC would host the western championship.
The sole scenario for a Western Conference club to host the MLS Cup championship is if NYCFC completes an unlikely run to qualify. Any other Eastern Conference qualifier eliminates western teams from hosting consideration.
MLS Cup Hosting Priority
MLS Cup Championship Date
The MLS Cup championship is set for Saturday, December 6. Kickoff time and venue remain to be determined.