MLS 2025: Qualified Teams for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs

As the 2025 Major League Soccer regular season nears its end, the race for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs has reached a thrilling conclusion. With Decision Day 2025 set for October 18, both the Eastern and Western Conferences have nearly finalized their playoff brackets. Here’s a full list of qualified and eliminated teams so far — based on official updates from MLS sources.

📊 Playoff Format Overview

A total of 18 teams (9 from each conference) will qualify for the 2025 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The top seven in each conference advance directly to the first round (Best-of-3 series), while teams ranked 8th and 9th will face off in a single-elimination Wild Card match on October 22. Winners will join the first round against the top seeds.

🏆 Eastern Conference – All 9 Spots Clinched

Philadelphia Union – Clinched August 30, 2025 (Supporters’ Shield winners, 66 pts).
FC Cincinnati – Clinched September 13, 2025 (62 pts).
Inter Miami CF – Clinched September 24, 2025 (59 pts).
Charlotte FC – Clinched September 13, 2025.
New York City FC – Clinched September 20, 2025.
Columbus Crew – Clinched September 27, 2025.
Nashville SC – Clinched September 27, 2025 (3–1 vs Houston).
Orlando City SC – Clinched September 27, 2025.
Chicago Fire FC – Clinched September 30, 2025.

Note: New York Red Bulls remain mathematically alive but trail Chicago Fire FC by five points with one fewer game in hand.

🌄 Western Conference – 7 of 9 Spots Confirmed

San Diego FC – Clinched August 23, 2025 (historic debut season).
Minnesota United FC – Clinched August 30, 2025.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Clinched September 13, 2025 (top of the West).
Los Angeles FC (LAFC) – Clinched September 20, 2025.
Seattle Sounders FC – Clinched September 27, 2025.
Austin FC – Clinched October 5, 2025 (44 pts, 2nd playoff berth).
Portland Timbers – Clinched October 5, 2025 (9th playoff in club history).

❌ Eliminated Teams

Eastern Conference: New England Revolution, CF Montréal, D.C. United.
Western Conference: LA Galaxy (defending champions), Sporting Kansas City, St. Louis CITY SC.

📅 Key Dates

Decision Day: October 18, 2025 – final matches of the regular season.
Wild Card Round: October 22, 2025 – single elimination (8th vs 9th).
Round 1 (Best-of-3): October 24 – November 9, 2025.
MLS Cup Final: December 6, 2025 – hosted by the higher-seeded finalist.

🧠 Final Thoughts

The MLS 2025 Playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most competitive in league history. With debutants San Diego FC making waves and heavyweights like Inter Miami and LAFC eyeing the title, the upcoming postseason promises drama, goals, and unforgettable storylines.

Stay tuned to US11 for full Decision Day coverage, live results, and MLS Cup 2025 playoff brackets as the postseason begins.