How does the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs format work, and what happens if a game is tied?

Question

Accepted Answer

Wild Card (seeds 8 and 9 in each conference): one single-elimination game hosted by the higher seed. If tied after 90 minutes there is no extra time and the game goes to a penalty shootout. Round One (best-of-3): the winner of each Wild Card game plays the No. 1 seed. The other matchups are 2 v 7, 3 v 6 and 4 v 5. The higher seed hosts Games 1 and 3 (if needed) and the lower seed hosts Game 2. The first team to win two games advances. A tied game has no extra time and goes straight to a penalty shootout, so every game has a winner. Conference Semifinals and Conference Finals: single games hosted by the higher seed. If tied after 90 minutes, two 15-minute extra time periods are played, then a penalty shootout if needed. MLS Cup presented by Audi: one match hosted by the finalist ranked higher in the Supporters' Shield standings, with the same extra time and penalty shootout rules. Playoff substitutions: five normal substitutions over three opportunities plus one concussion substitute, including extra time. No extra substitutions are added for extra time. Source: https://www.mlssoccer.com/about/competition-guidelines