The stage is set for an exhilarating 2025 MLS postseason following a dramatic Decision Day on October 18. With the MLS Cup scheduled for December 6, 18 teams—nine from each conference—are ready to battle for glory. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the playoff picture as the journey to the championship trophy kicks off.

Wild Card Round: The Opening Clash

The action begins on October 22 with the Wild Card matches. In the Western Conference, the Portland Timbers will face off against Real Salt Lake for the 8th seed. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Fire will take on Orlando City for their chance to advance. These high-stakes single-elimination games will determine the final participants in the Round 1 matchups.

Round 1: Best-of-Three Showdowns

The Round 1 series, played in a best-of-three format, promises intense competition. In the West, San Diego FC—making history as an expansion team with a record-breaking points haul—will face the winner of the Portland-Real Salt Lake Wild Card game. Other Western matchups include Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas, LAFC vs. Austin FC, and Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders.

In the East, the Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union will host the victor of the Chicago-Orlando Wild Card clash. Additional Eastern battles feature FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew, Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC, and Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC. These series will test the resilience and strategy of each squad as they aim to secure a spot in the next round.

Conference Semifinals and Finals: Do or Die

Moving forward, the Conference Semifinals and Finals will adopt a single-elimination format, with extra time and penalty shootouts to break any ties. This high-pressure setup ensures that every match is a potential turning point in the race for the MLS Cup.

Notable Storylines

A significant headline this postseason is the absence of the defending champions, LA Galaxy, who failed to qualify despite their 2024 triumph. Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, with an impressive 48 goal contributions this season, emerges as a frontrunner. Could the global superstar lead his team to another title?

Prediction and Fan Engagement

While the outcome remains uncertain, Inter Miami’s star power makes them a compelling pick to lift the trophy. However, the playoffs are known for their unpredictability—any team could rise to the occasion.

Who do you think will claim the 2025 MLS Cup? Share your predictions and bracket in the comments below, and stay tuned for live updates as the postseason unfolds. ⚽🏆