MLS Cup Playoffs Heat Up: Conference Semifinals Set as Championship Dreams Collide
The 2025 MLS campaign began with 30 clubs. It has now been reduced to eight as the MLS Cup postseason reaches the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals, after the completion of the opening round best-of-three series.
Just three clubs managed two-game sweeps in the opening round, with Son Heung-min's LAFC, Thomas Muller's Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Tai Baribo's Philadelphia Union earning an additional week of rest and avoiding a decisive Game 3.
In contrast, Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, along with New York City FC, FC Cincinnati, San Diego FC, and Minnesota United, all had to survive winner-take-all encounters to progress.
For the remaining postseason rounds, all stages feature single matches hosted by the higher-seeded team, leading up to MLS Cup on Dec. 6. However, clubs must wait two weeks before returning to action, as the playoffs take a break for the November international window.
Below is the schedule for the Conference semifinals, as announced by MLS, its teams and the main broadcaster, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket
Eastern Conference Semifinals
Eastern Conference Semifinal: (2) FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami (3)
This Eastern Conference semifinal promises to be a star-filled encounter as Inter Miami bring Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez and Rodrigo De Paul to TQL Stadium, aiming to defeat Cincinnati's Evander, Kévin Denkey and Brenner.
Eastern Conference Semifinal: (1) Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC (5)
The Philadelphia Union required a penalty shootout to claim Game 1 against the Chicago Fire in their opening round series, but dominated Game 2 with a 3–0 victory to earn their Eastern Conference semifinal berth. New York City FC, however, needed the full three games against Charlotte FC to secure their advancement.
Western Conference Semifinals
Western Conference Semifinal: (2) Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC (3)
Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps FC secured a sweep against FC Dallas in the opening round, while Son Heung-min's LAFC accomplished the same feat. Now, these two prominent summer acquisitions prepare to clash before a sold-out crowd exceeding 54,000 at BC Place. This marks the third consecutive season these clubs have faced off in the MLS Cup playoffs, though Vancouver seeks their first victory in this matchup.
Western Conference Semifinal: (1) San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United (4)
San Diego FC required all three games but secured a commanding 4–0 victory to conclude their opening round series against the Portland Timbers. MLS Newcomer of the Year Anders Dreyer netted a hat-trick in the decisive match and will now attempt to outperform MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair in the clash with Minnesota United.