The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs bracket has narrowed to the conference semifinals following the completion of Round One best-of-3 series, setting up four high-stakes matchups across the Eastern and Western Conferences. With the final slated for December 6, these semis—scheduled for November 22-24—represent a pivotal step toward crowning the champion, hosted by the higher-seeded teams to reward regular-season performance.

Conference Semifinals Format The conference semifinals adopt a single-elimination format, diverging from Round One’s best-of-3 structure. Each game is a standalone 90-minute match; if tied, it proceeds to two 15-minute extra time periods played in full. Persistent ties lead to penalty kicks. This setup emphasizes tactical discipline and clutch performance, with home teams winning about 55% of playoff games historically. No aggregate scores apply, and venues favor the higher seed for crowd support (average attendance ~25,000) and rest advantages.

Eastern Conference Semifinals Preview In the East, No. 1 Philadelphia Union (66 points, +22 GD) host No. 5 New York City FC (56 points, +6 GD) on November 23 at Subaru Park (7:55 p.m. ET). Philly’s stingy defense (35 GA) faces NYCFC’s resilient attack, reigniting a rivalry from 2021-22 playoffs; Union advanced via a 3-0 Game 2 shutout over Chicago. Meanwhile, No. 2 FC Cincinnati (65 points, +12 GD) welcome No. 3 Inter Miami (65 points, +26 GD) at TQL Stadium (5:12 p.m. ET), pitting Cincy’s balanced play against Miami’s league-high 81 goals, led by Messi—Miami’s first semis after a 4-0 Game 3 rout of Nashville.

Western Conference Semifinals Preview The West features No. 2 Vancouver Whitecaps (63 points, +28 GD) versus No. 3 LAFC (assuming from context, strong regular season) at BC Place on November 22 (9:42 p.m. ET), a third straight postseason clash; Vancouver’s stars like Son Heung-Min shone in a PK win over Dallas. No. 1 San Diego FC (63 points, +23 GD), as expansion sensations, host No. 4 Minnesota United (58 points, +17 GD) at Snapdragon Stadium on November 24 (10:12 p.m. ET)—San Diego aims to match 1998 Chicago’s feat after a 4-0 Game 3 over Portland, while Minnesota’s PK heroics (7-6 in Game 3 vs. Seattle) highlight their grit.