MLS expands postseason field, adopts best-of-3 series

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

Major League Soccer has expanded its playoff field from 14 to 18 teams in 2023 with a wild card round and best-of-three series in the first round. After that, single-elimination games will determine the MLS Cup winner.

Major League Soccer is expanding its postseason field and format.

The league is adding two playoff teams in each conference and a single-elimination wild card round ahead of a best-of-three series for the first round. The format brings 18 of the league’s 29 teams into the postseason as opposed to 14 previously. MLS is unique in that its winner is determined through a playoff instead of points like other leagues globally.

After Decision Day on Oct. 21, the top seven teams from each conference will automatically qualify for round one with the next two teams in the conference table playing in the single-elimination match on Oct. 25-26. Under this scenario, Charlotte FC would’ve qualified for the wild card round last year as the Eastern Conference’s ninth seed.

The expanded format means more must-win matches, with up to 24 games ahead of MLS Cup in 2023 compared with 12 last year.

Every team in round one Best-of-3 series, which will be played Oct. 28-Nov. 12, is guaranteed at least one home playoff game with the higher seed hosting the first and third (if necessary). The lower seed will host the second game.

The conference semifinals and finals will be played between Nov. 25-Dec. 3. MLS Cup will be played on Dec. 9.Teams advancing past the first round will move on to single elimination as conference semifinals, finals, and MLS Cup. Those matches will be hosted by the team with the better regular season record.

Another benefit to higher seeding for the playoffs is MLS squads will be rewarded with home field advantage in Leagues Cup play against LIGA MX opponents, with the MLS Cup winner earning a bye past the group stage.

Comments