The 2026 MLS Playoffs will take place over the course of one month, starting on Nov. 18 and continuing uninterrupted until Dec. 18. This will be the latest MLS Cup has ever been held and also the last time it will be held in December, as future championship games are scheduled for spring once the calendar switches in 2027.
The MLS regular season will end on Nov. 7 with Decision Day and will be followed by an international break. The playoffs will start on Nov. 18 for midweek Wild Card Round games and continue with Round One Best-of-3 series from Nov. 20-Dec. 2. The tournament will then shift back to single elimination with the Conference Semifinals on Dec. 5-6, the Conference finals on Dec. 11-12 and MLS Cup on Dec. 18, a Friday.
The 2027 season will begin with a “sprint” season that will run from February until May or June to set up the new calendar that starts in July 2027 and will feature championship games in spring going forward.
Key dates
- Decision Day: Saturday, November 7
- Wild Card Matches: Wednesday, November 18
- Round One Best-of-3 Series: Friday, November 20 - Wednesday, December 2
- Conference Semifinals: Saturday, December 5 – Sunday, December 6
- Conference Finals: Friday, December 11 – Saturday, December 12
- MLS Cup presented by Audi: Friday, December 18
