MLS playoffs: Bracket, teams, schedule, how to watch

The 2024 MLS playoffs are here, coming hot on the tail of a dramatic end to the regular season that saw Lionel Messi and Inter Miami set a new league points record to top the standings.

The postseason begins just three days after the end of the regular season, with CF Montréal and Atlanta United squaring off in the wild card round Tuesday night. On Wednesday, the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps will meet in a clash between Pacific Northwest teams.

Miami will surely be among the favorites, but they're far from alone. The Columbus Crew, the defending MLS Cup champions, have beaten Messi and co. this year, while LAFC is looking to repeat their trophy lift from 2022. After a few poor seasons, the LA Galaxy are back among the contenders, while a consistently high-flying FC Cincinnati will be looking to prove they can deliver in knockout competition.

Here's what you need to know about the full MLS playoff bracket, schedule, and how to watch all the way through MLS Cup:

PLAYOFF TEAMS SET:Road to MLS Cup goes through Lionel Messi, Inter Miami

Nine teams from each conference have qualified for the 2024 MLS playoffs. The structure includes a single-elimination wild card round beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 22, followed by the best-of-three Round 1 that kicks off on Friday, Oct. 25 – with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in action.

From there, the single-game format returns for the conference semifinals, conference finals, and MLS Cup (with the higher seed hosting in all three rounds).

Note: The No. 8 seed Vancouver Whitecaps have relinquished home-field advantage for the wild card round due to a stadium availability conflict. As a result, the No. 9 seed Portland Timbers will host the Western Conference's wild card match.

Eastern Conference

Western Conference

Note: MLS Cup hosting rights will go to the team with the best regular-season record.

All times Eastern. Home teams listed first.

Tuesday, Oct. 22 – Wild card round

Wednesday, Oct. 23 – Wild card round

Friday, Oct. 25 – Round One, Game 1

Saturday, Oct. 26 – Round One, Game 1

Sunday, Oct. 27 – Round One, Game 1

Monday, Oct. 28 – Round One, Game 1

Tuesday, Oct 29. – Round One, Game 1

Nov. 1 – Round One, Game 2

Nov. 2 – Round One, Game 2

Nov. 3 – Round One, Game 2

Nov. 8 – Round One, Game 3 (if necessary)

Nov. 9 – Round One, Game 3 (if necessary)

Nov. 10 – Round One, Game 3 (if necessary)

Nov. 23-24 – Conference semifinals

Nov. 30-Dec. 1 – Conference finals

Dec. 7 – MLS Cup

Every game of the 2024 MLS playoffs will be streamed on Apple TV.

Select games, including MLS Cup, will be broadcast on Fox and FS1, and streamed via Fubo. Additionally, matches involving Canadian clubs will be carried in Canada by TSN (English) and RDS (French).

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