News Summary
The lineup for the MLS Cup Playoffs is finalized, with Wild Card matches set for October 22. Chicago Fire FC takes on Orlando City SC, and Portland Timbers face Real Salt Lake. The winners will progress to the next round, meeting top-seeded teams. Streaming is available through MLS Season Pass and selected broadcasts will feature pre- and post-game shows to enhance the viewing experience. Fans can submit playoff brackets for a chance to win prizes. The playoff format promises an engaging postseason for supporters.
Chicago, Illinois — 2025 MLS Cup Playoff Field Confirmed with Wild Card Matches Set for October 22
The conclusion of Decision Day 2025 has officially finalized the lineup for the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs, with the first round of Wild Card matches scheduled for Wednesday, October 22. The playoff field was determined after the completion of regular-season games, and now the focus shifts to the elimination matches that will decide which teams advance to the next stage.
Schedule and Match Details
Two Wild Card games will take place on October 22, with both matches accessible globally through MLS Season Pass. The service will also be available for free to Apple TV subscribers. The Eastern Conference Wild Card game will feature Chicago Fire FC against Orlando City SC at 8:30 p.m. ET, hosted at SeatGeek Stadium. Meanwhile, the Western Conference Wild Card game will see Portland Timbers playing against Real Salt Lake at 10:30 p.m. ET at Providence Park.
Advancement and Next Round
The winners of these Wild Card matches will proceed to the Round One Best-of-3 Series. The Eastern Conference winner will face the top-seeded Philadelphia Union, while the Western Conference victor will take on San Diego FC. Details regarding the dates and times for these series will be announced later. It is anticipated that the playoff format will offer fans an exciting series of matches as teams compete for a chance at the MLS Cup.
Broadcasting and Streaming
All playoff matches will stream via the MLS Season Pass, accessible on multiple devices such as Apple devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and through web browsers. Fans can subscribe to the service for $9.99 for the remainder of the season, with availability extending across more than 100 countries and regions. Additionally, select matches will be broadcast through FOX Sports in the United States and on TSN and RDS in Canada. To enhance viewer engagement, special 30-minute pre- and post-game shows will provide analysis and highlights.
Teams in Focus: Charlotte FC and New York City FC
On Decision Day, Charlotte FC secured the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference following a 2-0 victory over Philadelphia Union. As a result, Charlotte will face New York City FC in the opening round of the playoffs. Details on the match dates and times will be announced on October 19. NYCFC plans to host their playoff matches at Yankee Stadium. This marks NYCFC’s ninth playoff appearance in ten seasons. Despite losing their last regular season match against the Seattle Sounders at Citi Field, NYCFC heads into playoffs with continued momentum.
Additional Information
The 2025 MLS Cup is scheduled for December 6, 2025, with teams competing throughout November and early December in the knockout rounds. Fans are encouraged to participate by submitting their playoff brackets for a chance to win prizes, including an MLS Store gift card. The playoff format and schedule aim to deliver an engaging postseason experience for supporters and teams alike.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Portland Hosts San Diego FC in MLS Decision Day Clash
Major League Soccer Playoff Race Heats Up
Major League Baseball Reveals 2025 League Championship Series Schedule
Son Heung-Min Makes MLS Debut, Helps LAFC to Draw
Son Heung-min Joins LAFC in Record Transfer Deal
Lionel Messi’s Suspension Creates Stir Ahead of Leagues Cup
Indianapolis Hosts NBA 2K26 Summer League Semifinals and WNBA All-Star Game
Additional Resources
- Charlotte FC News
- Wikipedia: 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
- Hudson River Blue
- Google Search: 2025 MLS Playoffs
- MLS Soccer News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLS Playoffs
- NYCFC News
- Google News: Charlotte FC vs New York City FC
- Sporting News
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
