As we approach the finale of the MLS regular season, the picture at the top of both conferences is taking shape. InterMiami have long since secured their place in the playoffs and now, less than a month before decision day, five more teams have joined.

Three teams from each conference have now secured their spot in the postseason. accession InterMiami in the East are the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions FC Cincinnati And Columbus crewthe winners of the 2023 MLS Cup.

There are three other qualifiers in the Western Conference with league leaders LA Galaxy the first to secure their place. On the weekend Real salt lake And Colorado Rapids joined them. Behind them, LAFC and Houston Dynamo are close to qualifying for the 2024 MLS Cup playoffs.

The only midweek action for MLS clubs sees a head-to-head between LAFC and Sporting Kansas City US Open Cupwhile Columbus Crew takes on Club America Campeones Cup. Regular season action returns next weekend (Saturday, September 28) with a full schedule.

MLS Cup playoffs: start date and schedule

Most teams only have four regular seasons left, but there are still twelve potential playoff spots up for grabs. In both conferences, the top seven teams advance to the first round of the postseason proper, while two teams compete across conference for the eighth spot Wildcard games.

The Wild Card round was new for 2023 and introduced a one-time winner-take-all game between the eighth- and ninth-seeded teams in each conference. Of the 29 MLS teams, all but two (Sporting Kansas City, San Jose Earthquakes) are still capable of making the playoffs.

The regular season ends with Decision day on Saturday, October 19th. In one afternoon, 28 MLS teams will compete in two simultaneous games, first in the Eastern Conference and then in the Western Conference. Last year’s eventual MLS Cup winners Columbus Crew finished third in the Eastern Conference but powered their way to the 2023 title by defeating Supporters’ Shield champions FC Cincinnati en route to the final.