Four rounds remain in the 2026 MLS Next Pro season and we now know the official playoff format for this season. Starting this fall nine teams from each conference will qualify for the playoffs and a play-in round will take place the open the MLS Next Pro Cup playoffs. The top seven from each conference will qualify automatically into the first round of playoffs. While the 8 and 9 seeds from each conference make up play-in round, with the winner advancing to the tournament proper.
Following the play-in round the playoffs match the previous top eight format. Each conference's top three clubs will be able to pick their opponent from the bottom four seeds in the first round. In the second round the top seed remaining in each conference will pick their opponent. The pick your opponent format was first used in the hockey minor league SPHL in 2018 and 2019. All rounds of the MLSNP playoffs remain single elimination compared to the recent MLS first round best of three format.
Decision Day for MLS Next Pro takes place on 20 September with MNUFC2 hosting LAFC2 at 4pm at the NSC Stadium in Blaine. The Twoons are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference with a record of 9-5-10 with 34 points and two shootout wins. 2026's full MLS Next Pro Playoff format and dates are listed below.
2026 MLS Next Pro Playoffs
9-11 Oct: Play-In Round (8 vs 9)
16-18 Oct: First Round, pick your opponent format
23-25 Oct: Second Round, pick your opponent format
30 Oct - 1 Nov: Conference Finals, highest seed remaining hosts
6-8 Nov: MLS Next Pro Cup, highest regular season points total hosts
