The curtain has fallen on the 2025 Major League Soccer regular season, and what a ride it’s been! With the final whistle blown on October 18, the league’s 30 teams—split evenly between the Eastern and Western Conferences—have now been whittled down to the 18 playoff contenders who will chase the ultimate prize: the MLS Cup. As stadiums across the United States and Canada gear up for the postseason, fans are buzzing with anticipation, and the league’s 30th anniversary only adds to the sense of occasion.
Let’s start with the Eastern Conference, where the playoff picture took shape in dramatic fashion. Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami CF, Charlotte FC, and New York City FC all locked in their playoff spots before Decision Day. These teams have shown consistency and flair throughout the season, with Inter Miami’s resurgence under the leadership of global icon Lionel Messi making headlines week after week. The remaining four clubs in the East fought tooth and nail for the final places in the top seven, knowing that eighth and ninth would have to battle in a do-or-die Wild Card match to keep their dreams alive.
Meanwhile, the Western Conference was a cauldron of unpredictability. Six teams—ranked sixth through 11th—were separated by the slimmest of margins in points and goal difference as the regular season drew to a close. It all came down to Decision Day, with every squad playing their final match simultaneously, making for a nail-biting finish as playoff seedings hung in the balance. Ultimately, San Diego FC—this year’s expansion sensation—topped the Western Conference in their debut campaign, earning a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup and turning heads across the continent.
As the postseason dawns, the league’s growth is impossible to ignore. Over 11 million supporters filled MLS stadiums this year, a testament to the sport’s surging popularity in North America. Charlotte FC and Seattle Sounders FC, two of the league’s crowd magnets, are set to pack their home venues with more than 30,000 fans per game during the playoffs. The demand for tickets has skyrocketed, and while average prices hover around $50, high-stakes playoff matchups—especially those involving Messi’s Inter Miami—have seen prices soar. Tickets start from as low as $22, but for marquee games, fans are turning to secondary markets like Viagogo and Vivid Seats just to get a seat in the house.
The playoff calendar is packed, with Wild Card games kicking off on October 22: Chicago Fire face Orlando City at SeatGeek Stadium, and Portland Timbers host Real Salt Lake at Providence Park. From there, the action moves fast and furious, with Inter Miami set to welcome Nashville at Chase Stadium on October 24—a fixture that’s guaranteed to draw global attention thanks to Messi’s presence. Round 1 continues with Philadelphia Union, FC Cincinnati, Columbus Crew, and other heavyweights entering the fray, all eyeing a spot in the Conference Finals and, ultimately, the MLS Cup Final scheduled for December 6.
This season has been one for the record books, not only because of the league’s expansion and surging attendance, but also due to some emotional farewells. Inter Miami will say goodbye to two footballing legends: Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Both icons, who played alongside Messi at FC Barcelona, have announced their retirement at season’s end. Their journey from conquering Europe together to bringing silverware to Miami—like the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield—has been nothing short of remarkable. For fans of both Inter Miami and Barcelona, it’s the end of an era and a poignant reminder of the game’s fleeting magic.
But it’s not just Miami feeling the weight of nostalgia. Columbus Crew’s Darlington Nagbe, a quiet giant of American soccer, has declared that the 2025 season will be his last. Nagbe’s journey began in 2011 with the Portland Timbers and will conclude with the Crew, but his impact stretches far beyond club boundaries. He’s lifted four MLS Cups with four different teams—a feat that’s earned him legendary status. Add to that a Leagues Cup with Columbus in 2024, a U.S. Open Cup with Atlanta United FC, two Champion Cups (one each with Columbus and Atlanta), and a Gold Cup with the U.S. men’s national team. “No one expected him to become the legend he is now,” one source noted, and it’s hard to argue. Nagbe’s legacy is secure, and the league will surely feel his absence.
On the pitch, the stars have shone brightly. Lionel Messi, now in his second season with Inter Miami, has set the league alight by scoring 29 goals—topping the MLS scoring charts and captivating fans everywhere. Every time Inter Miami takes the field, stadiums sell out, and ticket prices spike as supporters hope to witness another moment of Messi magic. According to reports, “a number of the biggest attendances during the regular season were set when Inter Miami and Messi came to town.” The Argentinian’s influence has been undeniable, both on and off the field.
Elsewhere, San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer has been a revelation, playing a pivotal role in the club’s fairytale debut campaign. Their rapid rise to the top of the Western Conference has injected fresh excitement into the league, and their playoff journey will be closely watched by neutrals and die-hards alike.
For fans eager to catch the playoff drama, MLS games are easier than ever to watch. In the United States, every match is broadcast live on Apple TV’s MLS Season Pass, while Fox Sports simulcasts select games nationally. Streaming service Fubo also carries Fox Sports, making it a one-stop shop for soccer enthusiasts. Across the Atlantic, UK viewers can tune in exclusively via Apple TV, with flexible subscription options available for both existing and new customers.
As the postseason unfolds, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Traditional powerhouses like Columbus Crew, Los Angeles FC, New York City FC, and Seattle Sounders are all in the hunt, hoping to add to their trophy cabinets. Last year’s champions, LA Galaxy, may have missed out on the playoffs this time, but the field remains stacked with contenders and storylines aplenty.
With legends bowing out, new heroes emerging, and the playoff race wide open, the 2025 MLS season is set to deliver a finish worthy of its milestone anniversary. From packed stadiums to unforgettable moments, the league’s journey continues—and for fans, the best may be yet to come.
