MLS Cup Playoffs: Which Teams Will Dominate, Crumble, or Shock the Soccer World?
The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are rapidly drawing near, and multiple clubs have already secured their postseason berths.
For certain franchises, the season's conclusion brings the Supporters' Shield competition, while others battle for a top-four position and home-field advantage in the opening round best-of-three playoff series. Though most positions are likely determined, several teams still find themselves pursuing the remaining playoff spots.
However, if the postseason commenced today, what would the scenario look like?
Sports Illustrated analyzes the playoff landscape if it began today and selects standouts in each conference with the championship favorites, most likely underperformers and clubs that could create surprises.
MLS Eastern Conference Playoffs if They Commenced Today
Championship Favorite: FC Cincinnati
FC Cincinnati might have slowed their pace, but with Evander in the MLS MVP discussion and the offensive capabilities of Kévin Denkey and Brenner, they remain favorites in virtually every encounter.
They represent a well-rounded squad and reached the Eastern Conference championship in 2023, when Brenner was previously with the team. Anticipate head coach Pat Noonan's side to find their rhythm at the crucial moment and become a genuine MLS Cup challenger throughout the postseason.
Biggest Disappointment Risk: Philadelphia Union
It would be simple to select Inter Miami for this category, but we're choosing the Philadelphia Union. They possess a balanced and well-constructed roster, yet have consistently failed to deliver in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Currently, even with a fresh leader on the sideline in Bradley Carnell, they still confront the extensive history of playoff letdowns, despite how successful this campaign has been. A recent 7–0 defeat to Vancouver Whitecaps and falling in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals to Nashville SC doesn't inspire much confidence either.
Dark Horse Candidate: Charlotte FC
Charlotte FC matched the MLS record for the longest regular-season winning streak with nine consecutive victories, climbing the Eastern Conference table through the summer's end. While they stumbled on Matchday 35 against New York City FC, players like Wilfried Zaha, Idan Toklomati, and others form the foundation of a squad that could advance toward MLS Cup.
MLS Western Conference Playoffs if They Commenced Today
Championship Favorite: Vancouver Whitecaps
Vancouver leads the Western Conference in points-per-game following Matchday 35, after a 2–0 triumph over Sporting Kansas City, which came after their 7–0 demolition of the Supporters' Shield-leading Philadelphia Union.
The Whitecaps' star quality and squad depth could propel them to an MLS Cup, as they appear well-prepared for the two-month marathon of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Thomas Müller has netted four goals in three appearances, and Brian White has tallied 14 goals this season, yet the duo haven't featured together extensively due to White's injury. Simultaneously, the club also appears ready to welcome back captain DP midfielder Ryan Gauld, who has been absent since March through injury.
Even without those key players, the Whitecaps have achieved success through depth this season, and have already demonstrated their ability to win elimination matches, having reached the Concacaf Champions Cup final and Canadian Championship final.
Biggest Disappointment Risk: San Diego FC
San Diego FC have created history throughout the season and matched LAFC's 2018 record for the finest-ever MLS expansion campaign, reaching 57 points with a 1–1 tie against Atlanta United. Nevertheless, despite the partnership of Anders Dreyer and Hirving "Chucky" Lozano being among MLS's finest, they have faltered against some of the other championship contenders.
Dreyer will be a leading candidate to claim MLS MVP at season's end, but even with his 15 goals and 18 assists, it may not be sufficient to elevate San Diego to an MLS Cup. If the club had kept Milan Iloski, or acquired a proven striker in the summer transfer period, circumstances could have been different.
Dark Horse Candidate: LAFC
Depending on how the remainder of the season develops, it may not be shocking to witness LAFC emerge as Western Conference champions. At this moment, though, they occupy fourth place in the conference and would still qualify as a surprise to reach MLS Cup, considering Vancouver and San Diego's strengths throughout the campaign.
However, they have displayed tremendous form since acquiring Son Heung-min, as the South Korean has scored six goals and provided three assists in his initial seven matches. Meanwhile, the partnership he has developed with Denis Bouanga has elevated the Gabon international to six goals during that span as well.
They represent a loaded team with two superstars leading the attack. MLS Cup might simply be the expectation at this stage, at least within their dressing room.