2024 MLS Cup Final
The MLS Cup Final will be played in December in the home stadium of the higher seeded teams that qualify for the final. The teams that finish at the top of the standings during the MLS regular-season make the playoffs, but must win through three rounds to earn a berth in the championship. The two teams left standing in the MLS Playoffs will then match-up in the the Cup Final. The host team for the Cup will be the squad with a better regular-season record and will host the game in their home stadium.
Nearly two dozen MLS teams have played in the MLS Cup. The teams that have appeared most often in the championship are the LA Galaxy, DC United, New England Revolution and Seattle Sounders. Although every team in the league truly has a chance to play in this game even newer franchises like Austin FC, Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC and the Philadelphia Union.
The MLS Cup Final is the championship game of Major League Soccer. The winner of the MLS Cup is awarded the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy, as the best team in the MLS. From 1996 to 2011, the MLS Cup Final was played at a predetermined location similar to the way the NFL does with the Super Bowl. However, MLS changed the format and the league's championship is now contested at the home stadium of the qualifying team with the highest regular-season point total. The winner of the MLS Cup is guaranteed a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League, which determines the best club soccer team in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.