MLS Cup Playoffs Heat Up: Conference Semifinals Set the Stage for Epic Championship Showdowns
The 2025 MLS Cup playoff structure is beginning to crystallize, with eight clubs poised to secure their spots in the conference semifinal rounds.
Following an exciting regular season that concluded on Decision Day, the journey toward the MLS Cup championship has officially commenced. Portland Timbers and Chicago Fire subsequently claimed victories in their Wild Card encounters to advance alongside the other 14 teams all vying for MLS supremacy.
Supporters' Shield champions Philadelphia Union predictably advanced past Chicago, becoming the initial squad to earn their place in the conference semifinal stage.
Below is a comprehensive overview of the current MLS Cup playoff structure, key scheduling information, and potential conference championship matchups.
MLS Cup Playoffs Structure: Conference Semifinals
Western Conference Division
Eastern Conference Division
MLS Cup Playoffs Structure: All Potential Conference Championship Matchups
Western Conference Championship
Eastern Conference Championship
MLS Cup Playoffs Timeline
Conference Semifinals
With the completion of Round One, the MLS Cup playoff conference semifinals are scheduled to take place on these dates:
The complete match lineup and timing details are still to be announced.
Conference Championships
Following the conference semifinal rounds, the conference championships will occur on these dates:
The complete match lineup and timing details are still to be announced.
MLS Cup Championship
The MLS Cup championship is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, when the new MLS champions will be determined to conclude the 2025 campaign.