MLS Playoffs Schedule 2026: Scores, Bracket, Dates, Times, Teams, Format & TV, How to watch MLS Cup

 

The 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs Schedule are officially set following a dramatic Decision Day that determined the final postseason
positions in both conferences. With 18 teams qualifying for the championship race, the battle for the MLS Cup is expected to deliver plenty of excitement, competitive matchups, and unforgettable moments.

The Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Real Salt Lake secured their places in the Western Conference playoffs on the final day of the regular season. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference standings also experienced significant changes, setting up several intriguing first-round matchups.

The 2026 MLS playoffs Schedule will begin on November 19 with two single-elimination Wild Card matches. Round One will follow on November 20, with teams competing for a place in the conference semifinals.

NWSL Playoffs 2026 Schedule, Score, Bracket, Dates, Times, TV Info

 

2026 MLS Playoffs Schedule and Key Dates

The 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs Schedule will run from November 19 through December 18, when the league’s champion will be crowned.

Here are the important dates for the 2026 MLS postseason:

• • November 19: Wild Card matches

• • November 20 – December 2: Round One best-of-three series

• • December 5–6: Conference semifinals

• • December 11–12: Conference finals

• • December 18: MLS Cup Final

The postseason features 18 clubs, with the top nine teams from each conference earning playoff qualification.

2026 MLS Playoffs Eastern Conference Matchups

The Eastern Conference playoff bracket features several exciting contests, including a matchup between Inter Miami and Columbus Crew.

Nashville SC finished the regular season with a historic points total, earning the conference’s top position. The club will face the winner of the Wild Card matchup between Orlando City and FC Cincinnati.

Here is the complete Eastern Conference playoff bracket:

1. 1. Nashville SC vs. Wild Card Winner: Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati

1. 1. Inter Miami vs. Columbus Crew

1. 1. New England Revolution vs. Philadelphia Union

1. 1. Chicago Fire vs. Charlotte FC

Inter Miami secured the No. 2 seed despite surrendering a three-goal lead in a draw against Charlotte FC. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union closed out the regular season with an impressive 4-1 victory over Toronto FC, powered by goals from Cavan Sullivan and his older brother, Quinn Sullivan.

Orlando City will host FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Wild Card game after the final-day results reshaped the playoff bracket.

2026 MLS Playoffs Western Conference Matchups

The Western Conference playoff race delivered plenty of late drama, with Portland, Seattle, and Real Salt Lake securing postseason places.

The Portland Timbers finished strongly after defeating Austin FC to help Portland climb into second place.

Seattle Sounders also booked their playoff position, with Albert Rusnak scoring in the opening minute of their decisive match.

Real Salt Lake completed the postseason field after defeating LA Galaxy 2-1, taking advantage of a strong early performance.

The Western Conference playoff matchups are:

1. 1. Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Wild Card Winner: Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake

1. 1. FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers

1. 1. St. Louis City SC vs. LAFC

1. 1. San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo

The Sounders and Real Salt Lake will meet in a single-elimination Wild Card contest, with the winner advancing to face Vancouver Whitecaps.

2026 MLS Wild Card Schedule: Date, Kickoff Times, TV Coverage

The 2026 MLS Playoffs Schedule begin with two important Wild Card matches on Thursday, November 19.

Both games will determine which teams advance to Round One.

The matches will feature four teams fighting to keep their championship hopes alive. Since the Wild Card round uses a single-elimination format, the losing teams will be eliminated immediately.

 

MLS Playoffs Schedule: Eastern Conference Round 1 Matchups, Scores, Date, Times, TV, How to watch

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Nashville SC vs. Orlando City SC-FC Cincinnati winner

Game 1 (at Nashville): Sunday, Nov. 22, 4 p.m. ET (FS1)

Game 2 (at Orlando or Cincinnati): Saturday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m. ET

Game 3* (at Nashville): Wednesday, Dec. 2, time TBD

 

Inter Miami CF vs. Columbus Crew

Game 1 (at Miami): Saturday, Nov. 21, 6 p.m. ET

Game 2 (at Columbus): Friday, Nov. 27, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)

Game 3* (at Miami): Wednesday, Dec. 2, time TBD

 

New England Revolution vs. Philadelphia Union

Game 1 (at New England): Saturday, Nov. 21, 2 p.m. ET

Game 2 (at Philadelphia): Saturday, Nov. 28, 4:30 p.m. ET

Game 3* (at New England): Wednesday, Dec. 2, time TBD

 

Chicago Fire FC vs. Charlotte FC

Game 1 (at Chicago): Sunday, Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1)

Game 2 (at Charlotte): Saturday, Nov. 28, 12:30 p.m. ET

Game 3* (at Chicago): Wednesday, Dec. 2, time TBD..

 

MLS Playoffs Schedule: Western Conference Round 1 Matchups, Scores, Date, Times, TV, How to watch

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC-Real Salt Lake winner

Game 1 (at Vancouver): Sunday, Nov. 22, 8:30 p.m. ET

Game 2 (at Seattle or Salt Lake): Friday, Nov. 27, 10 p.m. ET (FS1)

Game 3* (at Vancouver): Wednesday, Dec. 2, time TBD

 

FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers

Game 1 (at Dallas): Saturday, Nov. 21, 4 p.m. ET

Game 2 (at Portland): Saturday, Nov. 28, 10:30 p.m. ET (FS1)

Game 3* (at Dallas): Wednesday, Dec. 2, time TBD

 

St. Louis CITY SC vs. Los Angeles FC

Game 1 (at St. Louis): Monday, Nov. 23, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)

Game 2 (at Los Angeles): Saturday, Nov. 28, 8:30 p.m. ET

Game 3* (at St. Louis): Wednesday, Dec. 2, time TBD

 

San Jose Earthquakes SC vs. Houston Dynamo FC

Game 1 (at San Jose): Tuesday, Nov. 24, 10 p.m. ET (FS1)

Game 2 (at Houston): Saturday, Nov. 28, 2:30 p.m. ET

Game 3* (at San Jose): Wednesday, Dec. 2, time TBD

 

How Does the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs Format Work?

The 2026 MLS Playoffs Schedule feature 18 teams, with nine clubs qualifying from each conference.

The postseason follows a combination of single-elimination matches and best-of-three series.

Here is how the competition works:

1. Wild Card Round

The eighth- and ninth-place teams in each conference compete in single-elimination Wild Card matches.

The winners advance to Round One, where they face the top-seeded teams in their respective conference brackets.

2. Round One: Best-of-Three Series

The top seven seeds in each conference automatically qualify for Round One of MLS Playoffs Schedule.

Teams compete in best-of-three series,  must win two matches to advance to the conference semifinals.

3. Conference Semifinals

The remaining teams compete in single-elimination matches on December 5 and 6.

Winners move one step closer to the MLS Cup Final.

4. Conference Finals

The Eastern and Western Conference finalists will compete on December 11 and 12.

Both matches are single-elimination contests, with the winners advancing to the championship game.

5. MLS Cup Final

The 2026 MLS Cup Final is scheduled for December 18.

The Eastern Conference champion will face the Western Conference champion in a winner-take-all match to determine the 2026 MLS champion.

 

2026 MLS Playoffs Schedule FAQ

1. When do the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs begin?

The 2026 MLS Playoffs Schedule begin on November 19, 2026, with two Wild Card matches in the Eastern and Western Conferences.

2. How many teams qualify for the 2026 MLS playoffs?

A total of 18 teams qualify for the MLS Playoffs Schedule, with nine teams advancing from each conference.

3. What is the 2026 MLS playoff schedule?

The MLS Playoffs Schedule begin November 19 with Wild Card matches, followed by Round One from November 20 to December 2. The conference semifinals take place December 5–6, the conference finals December 11–12, and MLS Cup on December 18.

4. Which teams are playing in the MLS Wild Card matches?

The Wild Card matchups are Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati and Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake.

5. What time are the 2026 MLS Wild Card games?

Orlando City hosts FC Cincinnati at 7:30 p.m. ET on November 19, while Seattle Sounders host Real Salt Lake at 10 p.m. ET.

6. Where can fans watch the 2026 MLS playoff games?

According to the supplied schedule, both Wild Card matches will be available on Apple TV. Check official MLS listings for broadcast details for subsequent rounds.

7. How does the MLS playoff format work in 2026?

The 2026 postseason includes single-elimination Wild Card matches, best-of-three Round One series, single-elimination conference semifinals and finals, and a single-match MLS Cup Final.

8. When is the 2026 MLS Cup Final?

The 2026 MLS Cup Final is scheduled for December 18, 2026. The Eastern and Western Conference champions will compete for the championship.

9. Which teams qualified for the 2026 MLS Eastern Conference playoffs?

The Eastern Conference teams are Nashville SC, Inter Miami, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, Philadelphia Union, Chicago Fire, Charlotte FC, Orlando City, and FC Cincinnati.

10. Which teams qualified for the 2026 MLS Western Conference playoffs?

The Western Conference teams are Vancouver Whitecaps, Portland Timbers, St. Louis City SC, LAFC, San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders, and Real Salt Lake.

11. How many games must a team win in Round One?

Teams must win two matches in their best-of-three Round One series to advance to the conference semifinals.

12. Who won the 2026 MLS Cup?

The 2026 MLS Cup champion will be determined on December 18, 2026, when the Eastern and Western Conference champions meet in the final.

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