Section 5: Rules of Play
Match Structure
MLS matches consist of two 45-minute halves separated by a half-time interval not to exceed 15 minutes. The referee adds additional time at the end of each half to compensate for stoppages including substitutions, injury treatment, time-wasting, and goal celebrations, consistent with the IFAB time-loss directive.
Regular-Season Format
- 30 clubs split into Eastern Conference (15) and Western Conference (15)
- Each club plays 34 matches — 17 home and 17 away
- Each club plays its 14 conference opponents twice (28 games — once home, once away)
- Each club plays 6 different cross-conference opponents (the rotating cross-conference schedule)
- 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss
Standings Tiebreakers
Tiebreakers, in order, when teams are level on points at the end of the regular season:
- Total wins
- Goal differential
- Goals for
- Head-to-head record (intra-conference only — points first, then goal differential)
- Fewest disciplinary points
- Away goals differential
- Away goals
- Home goals differential
- Home goals for
- Coin toss or drawing of lots
Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs Format
- Qualification: top 7 from each conference auto-qualify to the Round One Best-of-3 Series; the next 2 in each conference (seeds 8 and 9) play a single-elimination Wild Card match
- Wild Card: hosted by the higher seed; no extra time, penalty shootout if level after 90 minutes
- Round One Best-of-3 Series: first to two wins advances; no extra time, penalty shootout if regulation is tied; matchups #1 vs Wild Card winner, #2 vs #7, #3 vs #6, #4 vs #5 within each conference; home-away-home format with the higher seed hosting matches 1 and 3
- Conference Semifinals and Conference Finals: single elimination; if tied after regulation, two 15-minute extra-time periods, then penalty shootout if needed; higher remaining seed hosts
- MLS Cup: single match hosted by the finalist with the higher Supporters' Shield ranking; extra time and penalties apply if regulation is tied
Goalkeeper Time-Holding (IFAB)
The goalkeeper may hold the ball with the hands for a maximum of 8 seconds per the 2025 IFAB amendment carried into 2026 (formerly 6 seconds and rarely enforced). Failure to release within 8 seconds results in a corner kick to the opposing team.
Off-Field Treatment (OTR) Rule
A player who remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds while medical staff enter the field for treatment may be required to leave the field of play for one minute of treatment off the field of play before re-entering, except in cases of suspected serious injury including concussion, where the standard concussion-substitution and removal protocols apply.
Cooling and Drinks Breaks
For matches played in extreme heat conditions, the referee may authorize cooling breaks of up to three minutes around the 30th and 75th minutes, distinct from the half-time interval. Mandatory cooling breaks apply when WBGT (Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature) is at or above 82°F (27.8°C).