The field of participants for the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs has been determined!

After Decision Day, 18 teams – nine from the Eastern Conference and Western Conference – have qualified for the postseason and will travel to the MLS Cup presented by Audi on December 7th.

The single-elimination wild card games (No. 8 vs. No. 9) begin on October 22nd, then the first-round best-of-3 series begins on October 25th. All games can be viewed on Apple TV via the MLS Season Pass.

Vancouver is limping into the playoffs, stuck on a seven-game winning streak (0W-5L-2D). Maybe Ryan Gauld can turn things around after scoring 10g/15a this season? For Portland, the most important thing is that the attacking trio of Jonathan Rodríguez (16g/7a), Evander (15g/19a) and Felipe Mora (14g/6a) compensate for any defensive concerns. Due to a scheduling conflict at BC Place in Vancouver, the game will be played at Providence Park in Portland.

• Game 1: Friday, Oct. 25 | 8:30 p.m. ET (Chase Stadium, Apple TV – Free)
• Game 2: To be announced
• Game 3 (if necessary): To be announced

Inter Miami accomplished two important things by winning the Supporters’ Shield and setting a new single-season points record (74). Now that legendary strikers Lionel Messi (20g/16a) and Luis Suárez (20g/9a) are in top form, the Herons will look to win the MLS Cup. That begins with a singles game on Oct. 25, when the first-round series begins against the East Wild Card winner.

• Game 1: To be announced
• Game 2: To be announced
• Game 3 (if necessary): To be announced

Columbus hopes to become the first back-to-back MLS Cup champions since the LA Galaxy in 2011-12. If Wilfried Nancy’s team can do that, they need star striker Cucho Hernández (19g/14a) in top form. The Red Bulls are in the playoffs for the 15th time in a row, although Emil Forsberg, Lewis Morgan & Co. start as outsiders. New York has won once since the League Cup (W1, L5, L3).

• Game 1: To be announced
• Game 2: To be announced
• Game 3 (if necessary): To be announced

Cincy is anchored by midfielder Luciano Acosta (14g/19a), the reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP. However, questions remain unanswered for Pat Noonan’s side due to injuries in defense. NYCFC’s hopes of a second MLS Cup title in four seasons could rest on Alonso Martínez, their Costa Rican striker who posted 16g/3a in a breakout season.

• Game 1: To be announced
• Game 2: To be announced
• Game 3 (if necessary): To be announced

Orlando secured home advantage in the first round, winning 10 of its last 14 league games. Great recognition goes to Facundo Torres (14g/6a), Duncan McGuire (10g/3a) and Martin Ojeda (4g/12a). Charlotte’s defense could fuel a run, especially if goaltender Kristijan Kahlina heats up. Notably, Dean Smith’s side has a five-game unbeaten streak (W4-0L-1D) in the playoffs.

• Game 1: To be announced
• Game 2: To be announced
• Game 3 (if necessary): To be announced

LAFC is the Western Conference regular season champions, edging out El Tráfico rival LA Galaxy with a fifth straight win on Decision Day. Denis Bouanga has scored 20 goals in consecutive seasons, powering an attack that still includes legendary French striker Olivier Giroud. The Black & Gold are seeking a third consecutive MLS Cup appearance after winning in 2022 and failing in 2023.

• Game 1: To be announced
• Game 2: To be announced
• Game 3 (if necessary): To be announced

LA Galaxy entered Decision Day as the No. 1 seed, but a last-second goal from Houston’s Daniel Steres moved arch-rival LAFC to the top of the West. The Galaxy will look to rebound in the first round, with Dejan Joveljic (15g/6a), Gabriel Pec (16g/14a), Riqui Puig (13g/15a) and Joseph Paintsil (10g/10a) making up the league’s third-best attack lead (69 goals). Colorado has lost five of its last six games and is dealing with injuries to key midfielders Cole Bassett and Djordje Mihailovic.

• Game 1: To be announced
• Game 2: To be announced
• Game 3 (if necessary): To be announced

In a season of ups and downs, RSL has regained momentum with a six-game unbeaten run (3W-0L-3D). They are led by striker Chicho Arango (17g/12a) and midfielder Diego Luna (8g/12a). However, Minnesota is in fantastic form and has won six of nine games (6W-2L-1D) after the League Cup. Midseason signing Kelvin Yeboah has seven goals, and Robin Lod (7g/15a) remains arguably the most underrated player in MLS.

• Game 1: To be announced
• Game 2: To be announced
• Game 3 (if necessary): To be announced

The Sounders were the league’s best defensive team in 2024, allowing just 35 goals in the regular season. Seattle’s offense can also hit the ground running, with Jordan Morris and Albert Rusnák combining for 23g/21a this season. Houston’s hopes for another strong playoff run hinge on big moments from DPs Héctor Herrera and Ezequiel Ponce. Last year, Ben Olsen’s team reached the Western Conference finals.