How to catch the 2022 MLS Eastern and Western Conference playoffs

Topics: TV Listings, TV Schedules, New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati, NYC FC, Inter Miami, Montreal, Orlando City, LA Galaxy, Nashville, Dallas, Minnesota United, Austin, Real Salt Lake, MLS

The MLS playoffs are set to begin this weekend as 12 teams will be in action over the next three days.

Now that the 2022 MLS regular season has concluded, the play-offs are set to commence as 12 sides all battle for a spot in the MLS Cup finals. Here's all you need to know ahead of the latest installment of the 2022 MLS Cup play-offs.

When does the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs begin and end?

The 2022 MLS Cup playoffs, also known as the 2022 Audi MLS Cup playoffs for sponsorship reasons, will begin on October 15th and end on November 5th.

What teams will be taking place in the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs?

A total of 14 teams will be taking part in the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs. Two teams, Philadelphia Union and Los Angeles FC have received what is known as a bye to the next round. A bye means that a team, based on where they qualify in the table, can skip one round and progress to the next stage. In the case of Philadelphia and Los Angeles, who finished as winners of the Eastern and Western Conference respectively, the two sides will not be in action until the MLS Cup semi-finals, which is set to be played on October 20th and October 23rd.

The other 12 teams involved are the following:

Austin
Dallas
LA Galaxy
Nashville
Minnesota United
Real Salt Lake
Montreal
FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami
NYC FC
New York Red Bulls
Orlando City

Austin, Cincinnati, and Inter Miami are all making their debut in this post-season tournament.

What is the format of the 2022 MLS Cup playoffs?

In the first round, which takes place from October 15th through October 17th, 12 teams will be playing over the course of six one-off matches. From there, it is on to the conference semi-finals, with both the Eastern and Western Conferences having their respective matches, followed by the conference finals, and then finally, the final which will pit the winner of each regional final against each other.

Who are the reigning MLS champions?

Being the reigning MLS champions does not automatically grant a team a bye in the MLS Cup playoffs. At the moment, the current MLS champions are NYC FC, who won their first title last year.

Who are the reigning holders of the Supporters' Shield?

Los Angeles FC are the current holders of this title, and thanks to finishing not just top of the Western Conference, but also top of the overall league, they will begin their journey in the semi-finals later this month.