When it comes to soccer leagues around the world, most fans are familiar with the traditional structure: the team with the most points at the end of the regular season lifts the trophy. But in Major League Soccer (MLS), things work a little differently. Instead of simply crowning the team with the best record, the league uses a playoff system to determine its champion. So, how exactly is the MLS winner decided? Let’s break it down step by step.
Understanding the MLS Structure
Before diving into the championship mechanics, it’s essential to understand how the league is organized. MLS is the top-tier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It features teams from both countries and is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.
As of 2024, MLS consists of 29 teams, with 14 teams in the Eastern Conference and 15 in the Western Conference. The regular season runs from late February or early March through October, followed by the postseason playoffs that lead to the MLS Cup Final in December.
The Regular Season
During the regular season, each team plays a set number of matches (currently 34) against both intra-conference and inter-conference opponents. Teams earn points based on the standard soccer format:
Win = 3 points
Draw = 1 point
Loss = 0 points
At the end of the regular season, the standings in each conference determine playoff seeding. Additionally, the team with the highest overall point total across both conferences is awarded the Supporters’ Shield — a prestigious honor, but not the championship title.
Qualifying for the Playoffs
This is where MLS diverges from many other global soccer leagues.
1. Number of Teams That Qualify
Currently, 9 teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs, making it a total of 18 playoff contenders out of 29 teams. This includes a Wild Card match for the 8th and 9th seeds in each conference.
2. Wild Card Round
In the Wild Card round, the 8th and 9th seeded teams from each conference face off in a single-elimination match. The winner of that match moves on to the next round: the First Round (also called Round One).
MLS Cup Playoffs: Knockout Style with a Twist
Once the Wild Card is settled, the top 8 teams from each conference are set for the main playoff bracket. Here’s how the format plays out:
1. Round One (Best-of-Three Series)
This round is a unique feature in modern soccer. Each matchup (1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, etc.) is contested as a best-of-three series. The first team to win two matches advances to the Conference Semifinals.
No aggregate scoring: Each game is independent; scores don’t carry over.
No draws: If a game is tied after regulation time, it goes straight to penalty kicks.
Higher seed hosts Game 1 and Game 3 (if necessary).
This format was introduced to increase fan engagement and revenue, while also giving teams more than one chance to prove themselves in the opening round.
2. Conference Semifinals & Conference Finals (Single Elimination)
From the Semifinals onward, the format shifts to single-elimination games. The higher seed hosts the match, which increases the stakes significantly.
In the Conference Semifinals, four teams from each conference battle it out.
Winners advance to the Conference Finals, where the Eastern and Western Conference champions are crowned.
These games are fast-paced and tense, with everything on the line in a single 90-minute match (plus extra time and penalties if needed).
The MLS Cup Final
The final stage of the MLS Playoffs is the MLS Cup Final, where the Eastern and Western Conference champions face off.
The host is determined by regular-season points. The team with the better overall record gets to play at home.
This is a one-game championship — winner takes all.
The victor of the MLS Cup Final is crowned the MLS Champion for that season. Unlike the Supporters’ Shield, which rewards consistent performance over the season, the MLS Cup recognizes the team that performs best under playoff pressure.
Other Honors and Incentives
Even teams that don’t win the MLS Cup can earn recognition and rewards:
Supporters’ Shield: As mentioned, this is awarded to the team with the best overall record.
CONCACAF Champions Cup Qualification: Several MLS teams qualify for this continental competition based on their performance. Typically:
MLS Cup Winner
Supporters’ Shield Winner
Other top-performing teams in league or cup play
Leagues Cup Qualification: Teams also earn spots in the Leagues Cup, a tournament featuring clubs from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX.
Criticism and Praise of the MLS Format
The MLS playoff format is often a topic of debate among soccer fans and purists. Here’s a look at both sides:
Criticism
Not traditional: In most global leagues, the champion is the team with the most points over the season.
Best team doesn’t always win: A lower-seeded team can win the Cup despite a mediocre regular season.
Too many playoff teams: More than half the league qualifies, which some say dilutes the regular season.
Praise
Exciting: The knockout format adds drama, surprises, and thrilling matches.
Increased fan engagement: Playoffs bring in larger audiences and more media attention.
Parity and unpredictability: The structure gives more teams a shot at the title, which can help build parity and balance across the league.
Final Thoughts
So, how is the MLS winner decided? It’s not as straightforward as tallying points at the end of the season. Instead, MLS embraces a uniquely North American approach, blending the global game of soccer with a playoff system familiar to fans of American sports like the NFL or NBA.
This hybrid format offers a long, engaging regular season followed by high-stakes playoff drama — culminating in the MLS Cup Final, where only one team earns the right to be called champion.
Whether you love it or question it, the MLS playoff system undeniably adds an extra layer of excitement to the beautiful game. And as the league continues to grow and evolve, who knows? The format might see further tweaks in the coming years. But for now, the road to MLS glory runs straight through the playoffs — and every match matters.
