soccer season

How to Watch the MLS Cup Playoffs

Apple TV subscribers can now watch the MLS Cup Playoffs without MLS Season Pass — here's what you need to know

By

Jonathan Zavaleta, Oscar Hartzog

October 29, 2025

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TAMPA, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 14: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts in the second half against the Orlando City during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on February 14, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami on Feb. 14 Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

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The MLS playoffs are officially underway. The postseason will follow a best-of-three knockout phase, followed by single-game semifinals, conference finals, and the MLS Cup. It’s been a major year for the league, which marked its 30th season with the addition of its 30th team, San Diego FC, and the signing of major international stars like Thomas Müller to the Vancouver Whitecaps and Son Heung-min to LAFC.

The League’s broadcasting partner, Apple TV, simplified playoff streaming this year by giving all Apple TV subscribers access. Previously, you needed the MLS Season Pass, available as a separate subscription in the Apple TV app, to watch most MLS games. Here’s what you need to know about streaming all playoff games during the postseason.

At Glance: How to Watch MLS

How to Watch MLS Online Without Cable

MLS is now on the third season of its 10-year partnership with Apple TV. Apple maintains a standalone MLS Season Pass subscription through the Apple TV app. MLS Season Pass is not required to watch the playoffs this season, as Apple TV has made the games available to all subscribers. A few games will be available on cable and satellite TV via FOX or FS1, which is available through Fubo.

How to Watch MLS Cup Playoffs: Streaming, Schedule

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You can stream Playoff games on Apple TV or MLS Season Pass, which is available with a one-week free trial. Additionally, you can watch playoff games on FS1, which is available with DirecTV and other live-streaming services.

Do You Need Apple TV for MLS Season Pass?

An Apple TV subscription is not required to sign up for MLS Season Pass, but you do need the Apple TV app, which is available on most smart TV operating systems and streaming devices like Fire TV, Roku, and Google Chromecast with TV. Apple TV subscribers can now get access to the playoffs without needing the separate MLS Season Pass subscription.

MLS Playoff Season Schedule

Here’s what you need to know about the schedule and standings of the MLS playoffs. All times are in Eastern.

Game One

Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC (1-0)
Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire (1-0)
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas (1-0)
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew (1-0)
San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers (1-0)
Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders (1-0)
Charlotte FC vs. NYCFC (0-1)
LAFC vs. Austin FC (Oct. 29, 10:30 p.m.)

Game Two

Nov. 1:
NYCFC vs. Charlotte FC (3:30 p.m.)
Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union (4:30 p.m.)
Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami (7:30 p.m.)
FC Dallas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (9:30 p.m.)
Portland Timbers vs. San Diego FC (9:30 p.m.)

Nov. 2:
Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati (6:30 p.m.)
Austin FC vs. LAFC (8:30 p.m.)
Seattle Sounders vs. Minnesota United (10:30 p.m.)

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