After a brief break due to FIFA’s November international window, the Major League Soccer playoffs resume with the conference semifinals.
The road to MLS Cup 2025 is down to eight teams, with all but one of the Round 1 matchups won by the higher-seeded team (and the one upset as a No. 5 seed defeating a 4-seed). A playoff devoid of upsets sets up an intriguing round of matchups featuring the league’s best teams.
For Inter Miami, it’s a ‘Last Dance’-type scenario for Lionel Messi and his former FC Barcelona teammates, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets set to retire at season’s end. Miami visits FC Cincinnati as it attempts to get Messi yet another trophy. Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union host the only lower seed to prevail in Round 1, New York City FC.
Out West, the Vancouver Whitecaps host Los Angeles FC, which has knocked Vancouver out of the playoffs the previous two seasons. San Diego FC’s quest to complete the greatest expansion season in league history continues when it hosts Minnesota United.
Here’s how USA TODAY Network soccer experts see how conference semifinals of the MLS playoffs will play out, including bonus picks for MLS Cup:
MLS playoff predictions, picks for conference semifinals
FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami
Safid Deen: Inter Miami
Jim Reineking: Inter Miami
Jacob Shames: Inter Miami
Seth Vertelney: FC Cincinnati
James Weber: Inter Miami
Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC
Safid Deen: Philadelphia Union
Jim Reineking: Philadelphia Union
Jacob Shames: Philadelphia Union
Seth Vertelney: New York City FC
James Weber: Philadelphia Union
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Los Angeles FC
Safid Deen: Los Angeles FC
Jim Reineking: Vancouver Whitecaps
Jacob Shames: Vancouver Whitecaps
Seth Vertelney: Los Angeles FC
James Weber: Vancouver Whitecaps
San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United
Safid Deen: San Diego FC
Jim Reineking: Minnesota United
Jacob Shames: Minnesota United
Seth Vertelney: San Diego FC
James Weber: San Diego FC
MLS Cup 2025
Safid Deen: Inter Miami over Los Angeles FC
Jim Reineking: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps
Jacob Shames: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps
Seth Vertelney: Los Angeles FC over FC Cincinnati
James Weber: Inter Miami over Vancouver Whitecaps
USA TODAY Sports’ 48-page special edition commemorates 30 years of Major League Soccer, from its best players to key milestones and championship dynasties to what exciting steps are next with the World Cup ahead. Order your copy today!
