The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, featuring 18 teams (9 per conference), reached the Conference Semifinals on November 22-23 after the regular season ended on October 18. Philadelphia Union (67 points) claimed the Supporters’ Shield, while expansion side San Diego FC topped the Western Conference in their debut year. Lionel Messi-powered Inter Miami finished third in the East.

On Saturday, November 22, Vancouver Whitecaps (1st in West) eliminated LAFC in a thrilling 2-2 draw that went to penalties (4-3). Ryan Gauld and Brian White scored in regulation, but goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka became the hero with two saves in the shootout, sending Vancouver to the Western Conference Final.\

Sunday, November 23 delivered two massive shocks in the East. Inter Miami crushed FC Cincinnati 4-0 behind a masterful Lionel Messi performance (1 goal, 3 assists), booking their second straight trip to the Eastern Conference Final. In the upset of the playoffs, New York City FC stunned Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union 1-0 on the road, with Santiago Rodríguez’s 63rd-minute goal and a rock-solid defensive display ending Philly’s dream run.

With those results, the Conference Finals are set:

• Eastern Conference Final (Nov 29, 6:00 p.m. ET): Inter Miami vs. New York City FC at DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale.
• Western Conference Final (Nov 29, 9:00 p.m. ET): Vancouver Whitecaps vs. winner of San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United (played tonight, Nov 24).

The winners will meet in the 2025 MLS Cup on Saturday, December 6 at 2:30 p.m. ET, hosted by the finalist with the better regular-season record (Inter Miami currently in pole position for home advantage).

Bottom line: Messi and Miami are one win away from their first MLS Cup appearance, Vancouver is chasing history, NYCFC is the giant-killing underdog nobody saw coming, and rookie San Diego FC can still crash the party tonight. Only two matches remain to decide the finalists—twelve days until we crown the 2025 champion. The drama is just getting started.