Audi MLS Cup Playoffs 2025: Bracket Set, Messi & New Stars Headline Postseason Push
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The field is set for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, with 18 teams – nine from both the Eastern and Western Conferences – battling for supremacy starting December 6th. Following a dramatic Decision Day, the playoff picture is now complete, promising a thrilling postseason journey culminating in the MLS Cup presented by Audi. Every match will be available on MLS Season Pass, with free access for Apple TV subscribers.
Wild Card Round Kicks Off the Action
The single-elimination Wild Card games will take place on Wednesday, October 22nd, setting the stage for the Round One Best-of-3 Series, which begins as early as Friday, October 24th.
Eastern Conference Wild Card
Chicago Fire FC will host Orlando City at SeatGeek Stadium at 8:30 pm ET. Chicago, under first-year head coach Gregg Berhalter, reached the playoffs for the first time since 2017, fueled by Newcomer of the Year contender Philip Zinckernagel’s impressive 15 goals and 15 assists. Orlando, winless in their last four matches, will look to Argentine playmaker Martin Ojeda, who tallied 16 goals and 15 assists this season, to spark a turnaround.
Western Conference Wild Card
Portland Timbers will welcome Real Salt Lake to Providence Park at 10:30 pm ET. Portland enters the Wild Card game after a challenging stretch, winning only once in their last ten matches. They’ll rely on Designated Players David Da Costa and Kristoffer Velde to regain their form. Real Salt Lake secured the final Wild Card spot on Decision Day with a 2-2 draw against St. Louis CITY SC, thanks to a brace from Victor Olatunji. USMNT midfielder and 2026 FIFA World Cup hopeful Diego Luna will be key to their success.
Round One Best-of-3 Series: Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference bracket features several compelling matchups:
- (1) Philadelphia Union vs. (8/9) Chicago or Orlando: Fresh off winning their second Supporters’ Shield title with 66 points, Philadelphia boasts the top overall seed and home-field advantage at Subaru Park. Leading scorer , with 16 goals, and All-Stars Kai Wagner and Jakob Glesnes will be pivotal. They await the winner of the Chicago vs. Orlando Wild Card clash.
- (2) FC Cincinnati vs. (7) Columbus Crew: “Hell is Real” returns in Round One, a rematch of the epic 2023 Eastern Conference Final where Columbus defeated Cincinnati en route to the title. Cincinnati, led by Brazilian No. 10 Evander (18 goals, 15 assists), will seek revenge. The Crew will be motivated by the retirement of club captain and legendary midfielder Darlington Nagbe.
- (3) Inter Miami CF vs. (6) Nashville SC: Inter Miami enters the playoffs with momentum, having secured the Golden Boot presented by Audi for Lionel Messi, who tallied 29 goals and 19 assists, positioning him for a potential back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. However, Nashville, reminiscent of Atlanta United’s upset last year, poses a threat with the dynamic duo of Sam Surridge and Hany Mukhtar, who combined for 40 regular-season goals.
- (4) Charlotte FC vs. (5) New York City FC: Charlotte secured home-field advantage with the league’s best home record (13W-3L-1D), but will be without star attacker Wilfried Zaha in Game 1 due to a red card on Decision Day. This creates an opportunity for goalkeeper Matt Freese and forward Alonso Martinez to potentially engineer an upset for New York City FC.
Round One Best-of-3 Series: Western Conference
The Western Conference bracket is equally stacked with exciting contests:
- (1) San Diego FC vs. (8/9) Portland or Salt Lake: San Diego has exceeded expectations in their debut season, setting expansion-season records for points (63) and wins (19). Newcomer of the Year favorite Anders Dreyer (19 goals, 19 assists) and Mexican superstar Chucky Lozano lead the charge. They will host the winner of the Portland vs. RSL Wild Card game at Snapdragon Stadium, with hosting priority throughout the Western Conference Final.
- (2) Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. (7) FC Dallas: Vancouver, bolstered by the summer signing of German star Thomas Müller (8 goals, 4 assists in eight appearances), continues a sensational year after reaching the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final and winning a fourth consecutive Canadian Championship. They will face Dallas, who surged up the table, led by DP striker Petar Musa (18 goals) following Luciano Acosta’s midseason transfer.
- (3) LAFC vs. (6) Austin FC: LAFC has reached a new level since the arrival of league-record signing Son Heung-Min (9 goals, 3 assists in 10 games), who has formed a potent partnership with Golden Boot runner-up Denis Bouanga (24 goals). Austin will rely on All-Star goalkeeper Brad Stover and homegrown midfielder Owen Wolff (15 goal contributions) to make a difference.
- (4) Minnesota United FC vs. (5) Seattle Sounders FC: Minnesota has maintained a consistent presence near the top of the West, earning home-field advantage in Round One. Despite questions in attack, Canadian international goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair and veteran center back Michael Boxall provide a solid foundation. Seattle, fresh off winning Leagues Cup over Inter Miami, will look to USMNT midfielder Cristian Roldan, rising Mexican midfielder Obed Vargas, and DP attacker Albert Rusnak to lead their title pursuit.
The 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs promise a captivating postseason, filled with star power, intense rivalries, and the ultimate pursuit of lifting the championship trophy.
