The 2023 MLS Playoffs format explained: rules, tiebreakers, bracket, Wildcard…

Eighteen clubs will qualify for the Playoffs this season, nine from each conference.

Luis Guillermo Vázquezluis_lgazulVíctor Martín J.VictorMartJimKieran Quailekquaile90Update: Oct 21st, 2023 15:48 EDT

AL BELLOAFP

It has been more than eight months since MLS responded to Phil Neville’s complaints about the lack of information about the competition format by announcing the restructuring of the league, especially the Playoffs.

There will be 18 clubs that will qualify for the Playoffs this season, nine from each conference. That means that 62% of the clubs will qualify, the second highest percentage among US sports, as only the NBA has more (66%).

Percent of teams that make the playoffs…⚾ MLB: 40% (12/30)🏈 NFL: 44% (14/32)🏒 NHL: 50% (16/32)⚽ MLS: 62% (18/29)🏀 NBA: 66% (20/30)

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) February 21, 2023

The new format

Building on the popular single-elimination format, the 2023 MLS postseason will see the addition of a pair of direct-elimination MLS Playoff Wildcard games prior to Round One, which now includes a Best-of-three series.

The top seven teams from each conference will automatically qualify for the Best-of-3 series from Round One, while the next two teams in each conference standings will qualify for a direct-elimination Audi MLS Cup playoff Wildcard.