The 2025 MLS season started with 30 teams. Now, it’s narrowed down to eight as the MLS Cup playoffs approach the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals, following the conclusion of the first-round best-of-three series.
Only three teams completed two-game sweeps in the first round, with Son Heung-min’s LAFC, Thomas Muller’s Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Tai Baribo’s Philadelphia Union securing an extra week off and avoiding a pivotal Game 3.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, as well as New York City FC, FC Cincinnati, San Diego FC, and Minnesota United, all had to endure winner-take-all matchups to advance.
For the remainder of the postseason, all rounds include just one match hosted by the higher seed, culminating in MLS Cup on Dec. 6. However, teams will have to wait two weeks until they’re back on the pitch, as the playoffs pause for the November international window.
Here is the schedule for the Conference semifinals, as confirmed by MLS, its clubs and the primary broadcaster, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
