The 30th edition of Major League Soccer has reached its playoff stage as events begin to unfold on October 22. Last season’s MLS Cup finalists, LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls, failed to qualify this year. Meanwhile, San Diego FC made history by reaching the playoffs in their debut MLS season. Which team will emerge as champion? Our MLS Cup 2025 postseason betting guide will preview the chances of top contenders for the title.
The 2025 MLS Playoffs will feature 18 teams, with nine each from the Eastern and Western Conferences. The postseason events begin on October 22, 2025, and conclude with the MLS Cup Final on December 6, 2025.
| ℹ️ Tournament: | Major League Soccer Cup Playoffs 2025 |
| ⚽️ Venues: | Stadiums Across the United States Of America and Canada |
| 🗓️ Playoffs Dates: | 22nd October – 6th December 2025 |
The MLS Cup is the annual championship final of Major League Soccer (MLS). It concludes the MLS Cup Playoffs, a five-round knockout competition featuring the top nine teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Since 2023, the expanded 18-team format has allowed the top seven teams from each conference to advance directly to Round One. The eighth and ninth-placed teams face off in a single Wild Card match decided by penalties if it ends in a draw.
Round One follows a best-of-three format, pairing higher-seeded teams against lower-seeded sides, with matches going directly to penalties if tied. The following stages, the Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and MLS Cup Final, are single-elimination games. In case of draws, extra time and penalties determine the winner when required. Each match is hosted by the team with the stronger regular-season record.
Here is a list of past tournament winners for this event:
Predictably, all popular MLS sportsbooks have listed the latest 2025 MLS Cup winner odds, and here is how the prime contenders’ list looks:
The 2025 season was one of the best in the Philadelphia Union’s history after leading the Eastern Conference with 66 points. They recorded 20 wins, eight losses, and six draws during the regular season. The Union previously reached the MLS Cup Final in 2022, an experience that could prove valuable this time around. Holding the best overall record secures them a home advantage for the MLS Cup Final if they advance that far. With 40 points earned at Subaru Park during the regular season, the Union are well-positioned to strengthen their bid for a first-ever MLS Cup title. Most apps for betting on soccer also see them as the leading favorite to triumph.
Inter Miami entered the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs with soaring expectations after finishing third in the Eastern Conference, collecting 65 points from 19 wins, eight draws, and seven losses. The 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners bring significant star power, featuring Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba — players who have triumphed on football’s biggest stages. Messi, the 2025 MLS Golden Boot and assist co-leader, continues to be the driving force of the team, and his influence could prove decisive in this phase. With vast experience and well-established chemistry, Miami stands as a serious contender for their first-ever MLS Cup title.
The Vancouver Whitecaps enjoyed a historic 2025 season. They set club records for points (63), wins (18), and goals (66) while finishing second in the Western Conference. Their potent attack, now boosted by German legend Thomas Müller, makes them a genuine title contender. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka led the MLS with 13 clean sheets, while Andrés Cubas has anchored the midfield with consistency. Having reached the Concacaf Champions Cup final and won a fourth straight Canadian Championship, Vancouver entered the playoffs confident of challenging for the crown.
San Diego FC has emerged as the surprise package of the 2025 MLS season, displaying remarkable consistency rarely seen from an expansion side. They set new records for most wins (19) and points (63) in a debut campaign, finishing first in the Western Conference and fourth overall. A commanding 4-0 victory over Portland on the final day summed up their momentum. With confidence, balance, and a winning mentality already ingrained, San Diego FC is capable of disrupting the tall order in the playoffs.
Los Angeles FC enters the playoffs as the only top-five favorite with an MLS Cup pedigree, having won the title in 2022 and reached the final in 2023. Their form surged after record signing Son Heung-Min’s debut in August, with the South Korean star producing nine goals and three assists in 10 games. His partnership with Golden Boot runner-up Denis Bouanga (24 goals) has been electric. Finishing with 60 points and third in the West, LAFC’s experience and firepower make them genuine title contenders. However, their 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs odds show they are underdogs.
Here are our Major League Soccer postseason predictions 2025:
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For our first prediction, we are backing the Union for the title. The Philadelphia Union have been the standout team in MLS this season. They clinched the Supporters’ Shield two weeks before Decision Day with 66 points, one ahead of Inter Miami. Despite twice falling short in the final, the Union remained driven under head coach Bradley Carnell. Having the best overall record ensures they’ll host the MLS Cup Final if they advance. With top scorers Tai Baribo, Bruno Damiani, Milan Iloski, and Mikael Uhre leading the charge, home advantage could finally deliver their first MLS Cup title.
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The teams finished 4th and 5th in the Western Conference and surely have eyes on winning their division at least. With a tricky format of the first round, equal opponents often choose the closed game with penalties to be the decider of the game outcome. Interestingly, both sides have drawn both games in the round last year, winning them by penalties and proceeding to the conference semifinals. With no clear favorite in the first game, it’s better to take a high-odds draw in the opening game of the series.
Among the variety of betting tips for soccer games, here are our best 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs predictions:
Brilliance during the regular season and potential home advantage through to the final increase the chances of the Philadelphia Union winning their first MLS Cup title. To win extra cash, use our Playoffs predictions for MLS 2025 to stake on any of your preferred bookmakers.
