[1] This was the 21st version of the MLS Cup Playoffs, the tournament culminating the Major League Soccer regular season.

The winners advanced to the MLS Cup, a single match hosted by the participant with the better regular season record.

It was the first MLS Cup in league history that two expansion teams participated in the final.

The top 6 teams from each conference advance to the MLS Cup playoffs.

Green background denotes also qualified for 2018 CONCACAF Champions League.