The most notable entrant is Lionel Messi and an Inter Miami team that is all-in on winning a title with the soccer G.O.A.T. and his former FC Barcelona teammates in tow. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are retiring, so it’s a ‘Last Dance’-type scenario for the Herons.
Elsewhere, Supporters’ Shield winners Philadelphia Union would like to finish with the MLS Cup three years after losing in an epic final in Los Angeles. Expansion side San Diego FC is the top seed in the Western Conference and could become the first MLS newcomer to reach the Cup final since the Chicago Fire won it in 1998. Los Angeles FC figures to be in the mix behind the potent goal-scoring duo of Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min. The Vancouver Whitecaps have been among the league’s best teams all season, and got even more dangerous after the summer addition of German legend Thomas Müller.
Here’s how USA TODAY Network soccer experts see how Round 1 of the MLS playoffs will play out, including bonus picks for MLS Cup:
MLS playoff predictions, picks for Round 1 series
Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire
Safid Deen: Philadelphia Union
Jim Reineking: Philadelphia Union
Jacob Shames: Philadelphia Union
Seth Vertelney: Philadelphia Union
James Weber: Philadelphia Union
FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew
Safid Deen: FC Cincinnati
Jim Reineking: Columbus Crew
Jacob Shames: FC Cincinnati
Seth Vertelney: FC Cincinnati
James Weber: FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami vs. Nashville SC
Safid Deen: Inter Miami
Jim Reineking: Inter Miami
Jacob Shames: Inter Miami
Seth Vertelney: Inter Miami
James Weber: Inter Miami
Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC
Safid Deen: Charlotte FC
Jim Reineking: New York City FC
Jacob Shames: Charlotte FC
Seth Vertelney: New York City FC
James Weber: New York City FC
San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers
Safid Deen: San Diego FC
Jim Reineking: San Diego FC
Jacob Shames: San Diego FC
Seth Vertelney: San Diego FC
James Weber: San Diego FC
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. FC Dallas
Safid Deen: Vancouver Whitecaps
Jim Reineking: Vancouver Whitecaps
Jacob Shames: Vancouver Whitecaps
Seth Vertelney: Vancouver Whitecaps
James Weber: Vancouver Whitecaps
Los Angeles FC vs. Austin FC
Safid Deen: Los Angeles FC
Jim Reineking: Los Angeles FC
Jacob Shames: Los Angeles FC
Seth Vertelney: Los Angeles FC
James Weber: Los Angeles FC
Minnesota United vs. Seattle Sounders
Safid Deen: Seattle Sounders
Jim Reineking: Seattle Sounders
Jacob Shames: Seattle Sounders
Seth Vertelney: Seattle Sounders
James Weber: Seattle Sounders
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
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