MLS Cup Playoffs Picture Takes Shape: Current Standings Reveal Potential Matchups After 24 Games
As summer progresses, the 2025 MLS regular season approaches its two-thirds milestone. Despite being relatively early in the campaign, clubs are beginning to focus their attention on the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs.
Some franchises have just 12 matches remaining before the postseason begins, while others with fewer games played face up to 15 regular-season fixtures before the playoff landscape takes shape. Regardless, the MLS Cup trophy remains the ultimate objective for numerous organizations, and the route to championship glory becomes more defined with each passing week.
Although several clubs may already be planning for 2026 and future seasons, many remain competitive in the 2025 playoff hunt, working diligently to ensure they reach peak performance at the optimal moment to claim the championship in early December.
This season marks the first time MLS features two 15-team conferences. Within each conference, the top seven squads earn automatic qualification for the MLS Cup Playoffs, while the eighth and ninth-placed teams compete in a single elimination play-in contest to secure entry into the main tournament bracket.
After reducing to eight teams per conference, clubs engage in a best-of-three opening round format featuring matchups of No. 1 versus No. 8/9, No. 2 versus No. 7, No. 3 versus No. 6, and No. 4 versus No. 5.
Following the completion of Matchday 24, Sports Illustrated examines how the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs bracket would appear if the postseason commenced immediately, based on points-per-game calculations to ensure fair comparison across all teams.
Current MLS Eastern Conference Playoff Picture
Inter Miami versus New York Red Bulls or Chicago Fire FC
Philadelphia Union versus New York City FC
FC Cincinnati versus Orlando City SC
Columbus Crew SC versus Nashville SC
Current MLS Western Conference Playoff Picture
