[1] Los Angeles FC entered the playoffs as the defending MLS Cup champions.

FC Cincinnati entered as Supporters' Shield winners, but were eliminated by Columbus Crew in the Conference Finals.

Columbus Crew won a third MLS Cup title after defeating Los Angeles FC 2–1.

The playoffs featured a new format from previous years with an expanded field of 18 teams—the top nine teams from each conference.

The round did not have the aggregate score kept, and tied matches proceeded directly to a penalty shoot-out to determine the winner.

All matches were broadcast globally on MLS Season Pass, a streaming service operated by Apple.

[1] The introduction of a best-of-three round and the expanded field, which allowed 62% of the league's 29 teams to qualify for the playoffs, were criticized for being more confusing and diluting the competition.

[1] The highest-ranked finalist in the overall Supporters' Shield table (Columbus Crew) hosted the match.