- In a major strategy shift, MLS and Apple are making all playoff matches available to every Apple TV subscriber, not just those with the specific MLS Season Pass.
- The 18-team playoff field is packed with star power, featuring global icons like Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, LAFC’s Son Heung-Min, and the Whitecaps’ Thomas Müller.
- The MLS Cup Playoffs kick off Wednesday with Wild Card matches, followed by a best-of-3 Round One series, with the MLS Cup final scheduled for December 6.
- FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake secured the final two playoff spots on a dramatic final day of the regular season.
A Game-Changer for Soccer Fans
In a move designed to attract a massive audience for its postseason, Major League Soccer and Apple have announced that the league’s entire slate of playoff matches will be available to all Apple TV subscribers at no extra cost. This breaks from the regular-season model, which required a specific subscription to the MLS Season Pass service for most games, and significantly lowers the barrier for entry for casual fans wanting to tune into the excitement.
This strategic decision builds upon a successful trial during the regular season and Leagues Cup, where an increased number of games were offered to the broader entertainment service’s subscribers. Now, with the championship on the line, every Apple TV user gets a front-row seat.
Star Power Ignites the Postseason
The league’s regular season concluded with a thrilling Decision Day that saw FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake clinch the final playoff berths. The 18-team field is not short on drama or talent, featuring some of the biggest names in world football. Fans across the globe will be watching Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, who led the league in goals and assists, alongside other high-profile stars like LAFC’s newly acquired Son Heung-Min and Vancouver Whitecaps’ veteran Thomas Müller.
How the MLS Cup Playoffs Work
The action begins this Wednesday with two sudden-death Wild Card matches, pitting the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in each conference against each other. The winners will advance to the best-of-3 Round One series, which begins on Friday. Following the opening round, the format shifts to single-elimination matches for the conference semifinals, conference finals, and the ultimate showdown, the MLS Cup, on December 6.
For those without Apple TV, select playoff games will also be broadcast on Fox Sports (FS1 and Fox Deportes) in the United States and on TSN and RDS in Canada. The MLS Cup final will receive national broadcast coverage on the flagship FOX network.
Full Playoff Matchups
Eastern Conference: Wild Card
- (8) Chicago Fire FC vs. (9) Orlando City
Western Conference: Wild Card
- (8) Portland Timbers vs. (9) Real Salt Lake
Eastern Conference: Round One (Best of 3)
- (1) Philadelphia Union vs. (8/9) Chicago or Orlando
- (2) FC Cincinnati vs. (7) Columbus Crew
- (3) Inter Miami CF vs. (6) Nashville SC
- (4) Charlotte FC vs. (5) New York City FC
Western Conference: Round One (Best of 3)
- (1) San Diego FC vs. (8/9) Portland or Salt Lake
- (2) Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. (7) FC Dallas
- (3) LAFC vs. (6) Austin FC
- (4) Minnesota United FC vs. (5) Seattle Sounders FC