Here's everything you need to know about Major League Soccer, including how the MLS league format works in the USA.
How does the MLS work?
MLS – Major League Soccer – is the highest level of professional football in the United States and Canada. But how does the MLS league work?
Well, the MLS league structure is comprised of 30 teams – 27 from the USA and 3 from Canada – competing for the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup, and runs from late-February or March to October.
It is split into the Eastern and Western Conferences, with sides allocated into these based on geographical location.
Each side plays 34 games during the regular season – 17 at home and 17 away. Clubs face each team in their own conference twice – once at home and once away, accounting for 28 games – and play six games against teams from the opposing conference – three at home and three away.
The Supporters’ Shield is awarded to the team with the best regular season record across both conferences. But the main attraction is the MLS Cup, which is lifted by the end-of-season playoff winners.
Who won the 2024 Supporters’ Shield?
Inter Miami CF won the Supporters’ Shield in 2024, marking their first ever title in the competition. Head coach Tata Martino was instrumental in guiding the team from 27th place in the previous season to the top of the league. Lionel Messi’s contributions were also invaluable, with him scoring 17 goals across 17 matches.
How do the MLS playoffs work?
The MLS Cup playoffs are the annual post-season elimination tournament. They begin in October, after the conclusion of the regulation MLS season.
But how do they work? Well, here’s the MLS playoff format explained: The top eight sides from each conference qualify for the MLS playoffs and compete in the knockout format. The top seed from each conference – the side that finishes first – host the eighth seed, second hosts seventh and so on.
All rounds are single-match elimination games hosted by the higher seed. This means that the first round will consist of the second versus seventh-placed sides, third versus sixth and fourth versus fifth.
First-round winners then advance to the Conference semi-finals and then the final – the winner of the final will then advance to the MLS Cup final.
The final is played at the ground of the team with the best record in the regular season.
Can MLS teams play in the Champions Cup?
Ten MLS teams have qualified for the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup – North America’s equivalent to the UEFA Champions League. Curiously, though, Canadian teams cannot qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League through the MLS.
But how did each MLS team qualify for the 2025 Champions Cup?
Colorado Rapids: 2024 Leagues Cup third place
Columbus Crew: 2024 Leagues Cup champion
FC Cincinnati: 2024 Supporters’ Shield standings
Inter Miami CF: 2024 Supporters’ Shield
LAFC: 2024 Leagues Cup runner-up
LA Galaxy: 2024 MLS Cup pres. by Audi champion
Real Salt Lake: 2024 Supporters’ Shield standings
Seattle Sounders FC: 2024 Supporters’ Shield standings
Sporting Kansas City: 2024 US Open Cup finalist
Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 2024 Canadian Championship champion
How are teams added to the MLS?
Prospective expansion teams who wish to compete in Major League Soccer must apply to the MLS, who will consider whether to award them a place in the league based on the following criteria:
Owners that are committed to MLS and have the financial means to invest.
A fit-for-purpose stadium, or approved plans for a stadium.
The size of the metropolitan area.
An established local fanbase.
Which MLS team has the most championships?
LA Galaxy is the most successful team in MLS history, with five MLS Cups and four Supporters’ Shields. Notably, DC United have also won four Supporters’ Shields.
Which MLS team has the most fans?
When it comes to matchday attendance, Atlanta United top the ranking. During the 2024 season, they averaged a whopping near-47,000 spectators per game.
They also play in the largest stadium – the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which holds over 72,000 fans and is shared with NFL team the Atlanta Falcons. Dive into our guide on the most active MLS fanbases on social media for more fan-related insights!
What is a designated player in the MLS?
The MLS league format permits each team to enlist a maximum of three players whose earnings do not fully count towards the salary cap, called ‘Designated Players’.
The Designated Player rule was created in 2007 when David Beckham joined LA Galaxy and allows MLS teams to compete for marquee players in the international market. Historically, it has seen names like Steven Gerrard, David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Wayne Rooney all head Stateside.
Recently, Inter Miami have leveraged the rule to bring all-time great Lionel Messi to the MLS.
Who plays in the MLS All-Star game?
The MLS All-Star game takes place at the mid-point of the MLS season and has seen an MLS All-Star team face various opponents.
The All-Stars are picked through a combination of fan voting and selections by the appointed manager of the team and league commissioner.
The 2024 MLS All-Star game took place in Columbus, Ohio, where they faced off against Liga MX All-stars. The 30-player roster was selected through a combination of player, fan, and media votes.
MLS FAQs
When does the MLS season start and end?
The season starts either in late February or at the start of March every year. The regulation season finishes in October, while the MLS Cup final is always held in December.
When is the MLS Cup?
The MLS Cup final is held annually every December, hosted by the team with the best regular-season record.
How many teams are in the MLS?
29 teams competed in the most recent 2024 MLS season. However, the number of teams competing in the 2025 edition rises to 30, with the introduction of San Diego FC.
What are the newest teams in MLS?
As of 2025, San Diego FC will become the 30th MLS team to join the league.
When was the MLS founded?
The MLS was founded in 1996, so the 2026 season will represent 30 years of Major League Soccer.
How does salary cap work?
In order to maintain a level playing field, each team has a salary cap of $5.2m for the season. Teams are allowed ‘Designated Players’ who don’t necessarily have to fall into this cap – for instance, Lionel Messi at Inter Miami.
How does the MLS draft work?
The draft usually takes place in January, ahead of the new MLS season. It has three rounds, with each team getting one pick per round. The draft order is determined by the previous season’s standings, with the team that finished last getting the first pick.
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