MLS Cup Playoffs Heat Up: Conference Finals Teams Battle for Championship Glory
Four clubs continue their journey in the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs, though only two will emerge victorious from their respective conference championship matches this weekend.
What has proven to be an exciting postseason is gradually reaching its conclusion, with only the elite teams remaining in their quest for the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy. Even Supporters' Shield champions Philadelphia Union and Son Heung-min's LAFC were unable to advance beyond the conference semifinal stage.
The fight for Western Conference and Eastern Conference supremacy comes down to a single decisive match on each side, with the victors moving forward to the MLS Cup championship game on Saturday, Dec. 6.
Here's all the essential information about the forthcoming MLS Cup playoffs conference championship rounds.
2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Finals: Schedule
The MLS Cup playoffs conference championship matches will conclude an eventful November. There is no scheduling conflict between the two conference finals, ensuring supporters won't miss any moment of either contest.
Match | Date | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
Inter Miami vs. NYCFC | Saturday, Nov. 29 | 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT |
San Diego vs. Vancouver Whitecaps | Saturday, Nov. 29 | 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT |
With both contests taking place on the same evening, the MLS Cup final pairing will be established once the final whistle blows at Snapdragon Stadium.
2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Finals: Structure
Similar to the conference semifinals, the conference championship rounds are elimination matches. There will be no multi-game series to provide a safety net should a team struggle during 90 minutes; the victorious side at the conclusion of regular time will progress to the MLS Cup final.
Should the match end in a draw, however, both teams will compete through two 15-minute overtime periods. If no winner emerges after the additional time, then a penalty kick shootout will determine which squad continues in the postseason.
2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals: Remaining Clubs
In what feels like an instant, a postseason that commenced with 18 clubs now features only four remaining.
Western Conference Clubs
As the top seed, San Diego will welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to Snapdragon Stadium. Mikey Varas's squad has remained undefeated at home throughout the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs.
Eastern Conference Clubs
As the third seed, Inter Miami will host NYCFC at Chase Stadium. With Miami Freedom Park opening next season, the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs may mark the final postseason matches at the Herons' existing venue.