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MLS weighs expanding playoffs to 20 teams

8/20/2026

30 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

MLS is weighing a playoff expansion to 20 teams with a double-elimination format.
All clubs will be ranked in a single table and the top 20 will qualify for the postseason.
Eight teams will play a preliminary round, producing four winners that join twelve automatic qualifiers.
The eight highest-seeded teams will enter a double-elimination stage, with losers moving to a second-chance bracket and reseeding home-field advantage.

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Story summary

MLS is weighing a playoff expansion to 20 teams with a double-elimination format.
All clubs will be ranked in a single table and the top 20 will qualify for the postseason.
Eight teams will play a preliminary round, producing four winners that join twelve automatic qualifiers.
The eight highest-seeded teams will enter a double-elimination stage, with losers moving to a second-chance bracket and reseeding home-field advantage.