MLS Playoff Schedule 2026
Full 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs schedule with dates, kickoff times (Eastern), channels and scores: Wild Card matches Nov 18, Round One Nov 20 to Dec 2, conference semifinals Dec 5-6, conference finals Dec 11-12 and MLS Cup on Friday, Dec 18.
MLS Playoff Schedule by Round
Wild Card Round Nov 18, 2026 · best of 1
| Date | Matchup | Result | TV (US) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
9 FC Cincinnati at 8 Orlando City SC | Apple TV | Inter&Co Stadium | ||
9 Real Salt Lake at 8 Seattle Sounders FC | Apple TV | Lumen Field |
Round One Nov 20 – Dec 2, 2026 · best of 3
Philadelphia Union vs New England Revolution Game 1 · Apple TV
| Game | Date | Matchup | Result | TV (US) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 |  Philadelphia Union at  New England Revolution | Apple TV | Gillette Stadium | ||
| G2 | New England Revolution at Philadelphia Union | Apple TV | Subaru Park |
Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas Game 1 · Apple TV
| Game | Date | Matchup | Result | TV (US) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 |  Portland Timbers at  FC Dallas | Apple TV | Toyota Stadium | ||
| G2 | FC Dallas at Portland Timbers | Apple TV | Providence Park |
Columbus Crew vs Inter Miami CF Game 1 · Apple TV
| Game | Date | Matchup | Result | TV (US) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 |  Columbus Crew at  Inter Miami CF | Apple TV | Nu Stadium | ||
| G2 | Inter Miami CF at Columbus Crew | Apple TV | Lower.com Field |
Charlotte FC vs Chicago Fire Game 1 · Apple TV
| Game | Date | Matchup | Result | TV (US) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 |  Charlotte FC at  Chicago Fire | Apple TV | SeatGeek Stadium | ||
| G2 | Chicago Fire at Charlotte FC | Apple TV | Bank of America Stadium |
Los Angeles FC vs St.Louis City Game 1 · Apple TV
| Game | Date | Matchup | Result | TV (US) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 |  Los Angeles FC at  St.Louis City | Apple TV | Energizer Park | ||
| G2 | St.Louis City at Los Angeles FC | Apple TV | BMO Stadium |
Houston Dynamo vs San Jose Earthquakes Game 1 · Apple TV
| Game | Date | Matchup | Result | TV (US) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G1 |  Houston Dynamo at  San Jose Earthquakes | Apple TV | PayPal Park | ||
| G2 | San Jose Earthquakes at Houston Dynamo | Apple TV | Shell Energy Stadium |
Conference Semifinals Dec 5–6, 2026 · best of 1
Matchups TBD, set after the previous round.
Conference Finals Dec 11–12, 2026 · best of 1
Matchups TBD, set after the previous round.
MLS Cup Dec 18, 2026 · best of 1
Matchups TBD, set after the previous round.
MLS Playoff Schedule: Key Dates and TV
| Round | Dates | Series | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round One | Nov 20 – Dec 2, 2026 | 8 · best of 3 | Apple TV; FOX for selected matches; TSN and RDS in Canada |
| Conference Semifinals | Dec 5–6, 2026 | 4 · best of 1 | Apple TV; FOX for selected matches; TSN and RDS in Canada |
| Conference Finals | Dec 11–12, 2026 | 2 · best of 1 | Apple TV; FOX for selected matches; TSN and RDS in Canada |
| MLS Cup | Dec 18, 2026 | 1 · best of 1 | Apple TV and FOX; TSN and RDS in Canada |
This MLS playoff schedule carries every kickoff time, result and score through the MLS Cup. Times are Eastern. The bracket shows the same games by round, and each team page lists its own path.
MLS playoff schedule FAQ
When are the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs?
Wild Card matches Nov 18, Round One Nov 20 to Dec 2, conference semifinals Dec 5-6, conference finals Dec 11-12 and MLS Cup on Friday, Dec 18, after Decision Day on Nov 7.
What channel are the 2026 MLS playoffs on?
Every match streams on Apple TV; selected matches are also on FOX in the US, and on TSN and RDS in Canada. MLS Cup is on Apple TV and FOX.
When is MLS Cup 2026?
Friday, Dec 18 in prime time, at the finalist with the better regular-season record; it is the last MLS Cup played in December.
How does Round One work?
Best of three: the higher seed hosts Games 1 and 3, the lower seed Game 2. A drawn game goes straight to a penalty shoot-out, so every game has a winner; the first team to two wins advances.
What happens if a later playoff match is tied?
From the conference semifinals on, a draw after 90 minutes goes to 30 minutes of extra time and then penalties.