Published Aug 20, 2026, 8:00 AM ET · Updated 3 months ago · 1 source

Double-elimination, reseeding and 20 teams: MLS plans overhaul of playoffs

guardian
guardian
·
Original Report
INFERY
Double-elimination, reseeding and 20 teams: MLS plans overhaul of playoffs

Major League Soccer is planning a significant overhaul of its playoff format, multiple league and club sources told the Guardian this week. The changes, which would debut in 2028 alongside the league’s shift to a fall-to-spring schedule, could include a “double-elimination” component and see as many as 20 teams feature. Sources spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the league’s plans. The Guardian has viewed a potential schedule for the new format, in which t