MLS Cup Playoffs Heat Up: Teams Battle for Final Spots as Postseason Picture Takes Shape

The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are rapidly approaching. Multiple clubs have already secured their positions in the postseason tournament following Matchday 38, leaving just two of the original 18 available positions remaining as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Sunday evening saw the San Jose Earthquakes fall 4–1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps, a result that guaranteed playoff berths for both Austin FC and the Portland Timbers, each sitting on 44 points.

However, various clubs, including the Houston Dynamo and Earthquakes, suffered major blows to their chances of extending their campaigns beyond the regular season finale on Oct. 18.

Here's the current situation as Decision Day approaches.

MLS Western Conference Playoff Race

The final two playoff positions in the Western Conference remain available, with FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake, the Colorado Rapids and Earthquakes all competing for those spots.

FC Dallas: 8th

Dallas currently leads the Western Conference playoff chase, holding 41 points with two matches left against LA Galaxy and Vancouver. With Petar Musa leading the attack, they could reach 47 points, potentially climbing as high as sixth in the conference standings.

Realistically, they likely need just one additional victory to guarantee a playoff spot, which could happen as early as next Saturday when they meet the underperforming Galaxy.

Real Salt Lake: 9th

Real Salt Lake face two remaining fixtures against the Seattle Sounders and St. Louis CITY SC, with their maximum possible total reaching 46 points.

Without key midfielder Diego Luna for next weekend's Seattle match, Salt Lake could secure a playoff berth with a victory. Otherwise, earning points against a faltering St. Louis team on the final day might suffice.

Colorado Rapids: 10th

The Colorado Rapids made significant acquisitions during the summer transfer period, acquiring Paxten Aaronson to replace Đorđe Mihailović. Nevertheless, their postseason aspirations depend on Decision Day against LAFC.

They might qualify with a tie against LAFC if Real Salt Lake loses both remaining fixtures, but would require a victory to overtake FC Dallas, even if the Texas club drops both of its final games.

It remains possible for the Rapids, though they'll need favorable results elsewhere.

San Jose Earthquakes: 11th

San Jose endured a devastating defeat to Vancouver on Sunday, which may have virtually eliminated their postseason chances, though they remain mathematically alive. If they beat Austin FC on Oct. 18 while at least one of Colorado, Salt Lake and Dallas loses their remaining fixtures, they could slip into the Wild Card match.

If the MLS Cup Playoffs Started Today: Western Conference

*Clinched Playoffs

MLS Eastern Conference Playoff Picture

The MLS Eastern Conference playoff positions have been determined, though the remaining fixtures will decide final positioning. The Philadelphia Union have secured the top seed and will face the Wild Card winner in the opening best-of-three series.

FC Cincinnati has also guaranteed a top-four position, but will aim to secure the second seed when they meet CF Montréal on Decision Day. Meanwhile, Inter Miami have two games left and could climb as high as second place.

If the MLS Cup Playoffs Started Today: Eastern Conference

*Clinched Playoffs