Thinking about following your local team? Major League Soccer is easier to understand than it looks. Here is how the season works, from the first match to MLS Cup.
- How the 30 teams are organized
- How a team makes the playoffs
- When MLS Cup is played
- How to watch and follow
MLS in One Minute
MLS is the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It has 30 teams split into two conferences, Eastern and Western. Teams play a regular season, the best ones qualify for the playoffs, and the playoff winner lifts MLS Cup. You can find every club on the official MLS website.
Unlike European leagues, MLS has no relegation: no team drops to a lower division at the end of the season. That keeps every city in the league year after year.
The Regular Season
In 2026 the regular season runs from late winter to Decision Day on November 7, when every team plays at the same time and the final playoff spots are decided. Each win is worth 3 points, a draw 1 point and a loss 0.
The team with the most points across both conferences wins the Supporters’ Shield, a trophy for the best regular season. It also earns home-field advantage in MLS Cup if it reaches the final.
How the Playoffs Work
The 2026 playoffs, officially called the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, follow the format announced by the league:
| Stage | Who plays | Format | Dates (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card | Seeds 8 and 9 in each conference | One match | November 18 |
| Round One | Top 7 seeds + Wild Card winner | Best of three | November 20 to December 2 |
| Conference Semifinals | 4 teams per conference | One match | December 5 and 6 |
| Conference Finals | 2 teams per conference | One match | December 11 and 12 |
| MLS Cup | East champion vs. West champion | One match | Friday, December 18 |
In Round One, the higher seed hosts Game One and, if needed, Game Three. After that, every round is a single match hosted by the team with the better regular-season record.
Other Trophies MLS Teams Play For
- Leagues Cup: a summer tournament between MLS and Liga MX clubs.
- U.S. Open Cup: the oldest national competition in American soccer, open to amateur and professional teams.
- CONCACAF Champions Cup: the continental tournament for the best clubs in North and Central America and the Caribbean.
How to Watch and Follow MLS
Every MLS match streams on the Apple TV subscription, with no blackouts, and MLS Cup also airs on FOX. Our guide on where to watch soccer in the US explains the options, and the best live score apps keep you updated during the match.
How to Pick a Team
- Go local. Following the team in your city makes it easy to see matches in person.
- Try a game day. MLS tickets are often more affordable than other major sports, and family sections are common.
- Follow a player. Many fans start by following a star and end up loving the club.
- Check the youth academy. Most clubs run youth programs, which can be a great way in for families.
If your kids want to play too, read our guide to youth soccer for parents.
MLS Words You Will Hear on TV
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Supporters’ Shield | Trophy for the team with the most points in the regular season |
| Decision Day | The last day of the regular season, with every team playing at once |
| Designated Player | A star whose salary only partly counts against the team budget |
| Salary cap | A spending limit that keeps teams more balanced |
| Conference | One of the two groups of teams, East and West |
| Seed | A team’s position in the playoff ranking |
A Quick Look at the League’s History
MLS played its first season in 1996, two years after the United States hosted the 1994 World Cup. It started with 10 teams and has grown to 30, with clubs in the US and Canada. Soccer-specific stadiums, youth academies and big-name signings helped the league grow, and many American fans now follow MLS and European soccer at the same time.
Going to Your First Match
- Buy tickets from the official club site or the team app to avoid fake resellers.
- Arrive early to see the warm-up and the supporters’ march, a tradition in many cities.
- Check the bag policy; most stadiums only allow small clear bags.
- Look for family sections if you are going with young kids.
- Learn one chant. It makes the experience much more fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are in MLS?
There are 30 teams, divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences.
When is the 2026 MLS Cup?
MLS Cup 2026 is scheduled for Friday, December 18, hosted by the finalist with the better regular-season record.
Do I need MLS Season Pass in 2026?
No. Season Pass ended after 2025; every match is now included in the regular Apple TV subscription.