MLS enters the decisive stage of the 2025 season with the eight teams that reached the conference semifinals. After the break for the FIFA International Cup, the clubs are back in action with squads that are back to full strength after loaning multiple players to national teams.
With the first matches just days away, fans in the United States are gearing up for one of the most exciting phases of the soccer year.
Eastern Conference
Inter Miami
Inter Miami arrives as one of the big players in the East.
The Florida team, with Lionel Messi as the star player and several international stars on its roster, overcame Nashville in a hard-fought series.
The team is still awaiting the return of several players called up for the FIFA dates, including Messi, who played for Argentina.
As well as players such as Telasco Segovia, Rodrigo De Paul and other international players.
Miami is finally looking to reach MLS Cup, a goal that has eluded them since the arrival of their star project in 2023.
FC Cincinnati
Cincinnati, champions of the Supporters’ Shield in 2023 and one of the most consistent clubs in recent years, is looking to make history by eliminating Inter Miami.
The team will feature stars such as Miles Robinson and Roman Celentano, who participated with the U.S. national team during the FIFA window.
The duel will be played in front of a full stadium this Sunday 23, in one of the most anticipated matches of the entire round.
Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia again finished the regular phase among the top teams and wants to turn that dominance into a ticket to the conference finals.
With Andre Blake, Jesus Bueno and several selected players who were out of the squad during the last few days, the Union is betting on the strength it has shown in its stadium.
New York City FC
NYCFC arrives motivated after eliminating Charlotte in an intense series that included two away wins.
Although they start as underdogs, their good performance away from home and their young squad -including players such as Maximo Carrizo and Matt Freese- make them a dangerous opponent.
However, their only recent loss away from home was to Philadelphia, their MLS semifinal opponent.
Western Conference
Vancouver Whitecaps
The Whitecaps are experiencing one of the best moments in their modern MLS history.
The Canadian team was one of the most solid teams in the regular phase and will now play at home in a BC Place that sold out more than 53,000 tickets, in an atmosphere that promises to be a party.
Vancouver is chasing its first conference final.
LAFC
The Los Angeles club is once again among the favorites.
Their star player Heung-Min Son returns after a brilliant performance for South Korea during the FIFA World Cup.
LAFC, managed by Steven Cherundolo, also expects Bouanga, Tillman, Ordaz, Moran and other international selections.
Their visit to Vancouver will be an intense test.
MLS enters its decisive stage
QuéOnnda.com
San Diego FC
In just its first season in MLS, San Diego FC became one of the revelation teams, led by Hirving “Chucky” Lozano.
The Californian franchise finished as the leader of its conference and will now play for a place in the final against Minnesota United on Monday 24.
Tickets are sold out and a full house is expected at Snapdragon Stadium.
Minnesota United
Minnesota is in high spirits after eliminating the Seattle Sounders in a series that went to penalty kicks.
The team has several international players such as Robin Lod, Carlos Harvey and Dayne St. Clair, who returned from international commitments.
It is one of the most unpredictable teams and could surprise.
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