I know some soccer fans think Major League Soccer (MLS) plays second fiddle to Europe’s biggest leagues. But if you ask me, the playoffs are when MLS steals the show. The 2026 season has given us plenty to talk about, from Nashville SC’s first Supporters’ Shield to the Vancouver Whitecaps’ rise and defending champion Inter Miami’s pursuit of another MLS Cup.
It’s survival of the fittest as 18 playoff teams fight for a place in the MLS Cup Final. But the biggest change this season isn’t the bracket. The standalone MLS Season Pass add-on is gone, and every postseason match now streams with a regular Apple TV subscription. FOX Sports will also air select games, culminating in the MLS Cup Final on Friday, December 18.
Whether you’re following your favorite club or just looking for some knockout drama, there’s never been an easier way to watch the MLS Playoffs. Keep reading for the complete TV schedule, channel details, our favorite streaming options, and ways to tune in for free.
Want more TV sports coverage?
Subscribe to CableTV.com's email newsletter for the latest event-viewing guides, entertaining takes, and money-saving promotions.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions.
What channels are the MLS Playoffs on?
Every 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs match will stream live on Apple TV, with no blackouts or extra MLS subscription required. Select games will also air on FS1 and Fox Deportes in the U.S., while the MLS Cup Final will also air on FOX.
If you don’t have a traditional TV subscription, FOX One provides another way to stream FOX Sports coverage. But with only select playoff matches on FOX networks, Apple TV is the more cost-effective choice for following the entire postseason.
Pro tip: International MLS fans can watch every playoff match on Apple TV in more than 100 countries and regions. In Canada, select games will also air on TSN and RDS, including the MLS Cup Final.
2026 MLS Playoffs TV schedule
The 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs run from November 19 to December 18, beginning with the Wild Card Round. The top seven clubs from each conference automatically qualify for Round One, while the eighth and ninth seeds battle for the final spots. Round One then features best-of-three series before the single-elimination Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and MLS Cup Final.
Check out the full TV schedule below with confirmed matchups, start times, and U.S. channel assignments. I’ll keep things updated as the tournament progresses.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Card Round | |||
| Orlando City SC vs. FC Cincinnati | Thursday, Nov. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Seattle Sounders FC vs. Real Salt Lake | Thursday, Nov. 19 | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Round One: Game 1 | |||
| New England Revolution vs. Philadelphia Union | Saturday, Nov. 21 | 2:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers | Saturday, Nov. 21 | 4:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Inter Miami CF vs. Columbus Crew | Saturday, Nov. 21 | 6:00 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Nashville SC vs. Eastern Wild Card winner | Sunday, Nov. 22 | 4:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FS1, Fox Deportes |
| Chicago Fire FC vs. Charlotte FC | Sunday, Nov. 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Apple TV, FS1, Fox Deportes |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs. Western Wild Card winner | Sunday, Nov. 22 | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| St. Louis CITY SC vs. LAFC | Monday, Nov. 23 | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FS1, Fox Deportes |
| San Jose Earthquakes vs. Houston Dynamo FC | Tuesday, Nov. 24 | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FS1, Fox Deportes |
| Round One: Game 2 | |||
| Columbus Crew vs. Inter Miami CF | Friday, Nov. 27 | 8:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FS1, Fox Deportes |
| Western Wild Card winner vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Friday, Nov. 27 | 10:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FS1, Fox Deportes |
| Charlotte FC vs. Chicago Fire FC | Saturday, Nov. 28 | 12:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Houston Dynamo FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes | Saturday, Nov. 28 | 2:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution | Saturday, Nov. 28 | 4:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Eastern Wild Card winner vs. Nashville SC | Saturday, Nov. 28 | 6:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| LAFC vs. St. Louis CITY SC | Saturday, Nov. 28 | 8:30 p.m. | Apple TV |
| Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas | Saturday, Nov. 28 | 10:30 p.m. | Apple TV, FS1, Fox Deportes |
| Round One: Game 3 (if necessary) | |||
| Deciding matches | Wednesday, Dec. 2 | TBD | Apple TV |
| Conference Semifinals | |||
| TBD | Dec. 5–6 | TBD | Apple TV |
| Conference Finals | |||
| TBD | Dec. 11–12 | TBD | Apple TV |
| MLS Cup Final | |||
| TBD | Friday, Dec. 18 | 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. | Apple TV, FOX, Fox Deportes |
Data effective as of post date. Dates, times, and channel assignments are subject to change. Round One Game 3 matches will only be played if necessary.
Best TV plans for watching the MLS Playoffs
Apple TV takes the guesswork out of watching the MLS Playoffs. One subscription gets you every match with no blackouts or extra add-ons, but it’s not your only option. Live TV providers that carry FOX and FS1 also offer select matchups, often alongside a broader sports lineup.
Below, I’ll highlight what makes Apple TV my top pick and explain why a live TV plan might be a better fit for you. I’ve also included a provider comparison table and our CableTV.com lookup tool to help you explore local TV options.
Best Overall: Apple TV
Apple TV ($14.99/mo.) is the clear winner for watching the MLS Playoffs because it streams every postseason match without blackouts. You won’t need to worry about which games air on FOX or FS1, and there’s no separate MLS Season Pass subscription to purchase. The service works on a wide range of smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and mobile devices, so tuning in is pretty straightforward.
There’s plenty to enjoy between matches, too. Apple TV offers full-game replays, highlights, classic MLS matches, and in-depth studio coverage, including “MLS Countdown” and “MLS Wrap-Up.”
Every playoff match features English- and Spanish-language commentary, with French commentary available for select matches. Fans in the U.S. and Canada can also choose their home team’s radio broadcast when available. Plus, your subscription includes Apple Originals like “Ted Lasso,” Friday Night Baseball, and live Formula 1 racing in the U.S., making it a fantastic value beyond the MLS season.
Best Live TV Service: YouTube TV
If you want a more comprehensive live TV service, YouTube TV is one of my favorite alternatives. Its base plan ($82.99/mo.) includes FOX and FS1 for select MLS playoff games and the MLS Cup Final, plus NBC, NCBSN, and USA Network for Premier League matches. You also get ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost, covering every La Liga match, alongside CBS Sports and TUDN for additional soccer coverage.
YouTube TV has more than 100 live channels and unlimited cloud DVR storage, making it useful well beyond the playoffs. But it won’t get you every MLS postseason match, so Apple TV remains the best choice for complete coverage. For Spanish-language playoff broadcasts on Fox Deportes, you’ll also need the Spanish Plus add-on. Still, it’s a solid choice for fans who want a broader sports lineup alongside their everyday TV channels.
Which TV providers offer MLS playoff channels?
If you prefer to browse more TV providers for playoff coverage, I’ve outlined several popular options in the table below. Keep in mind that these services only carry the games assigned to FOX Sports networks, so you’ll still need Apple TV to watch the entire postseason.
| Provider | Price | FOX* | FS1 | Fox Deportes† | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV | $94.99–$174.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV STREAM Read DIRECTV review |
| DISH | $94.99–$124.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Fubo | $19.99–$108.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $98.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Sling TV | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | — |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $40.00–$145.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Check Availability Read Spectrum review |
| Xfinity | $65.00–$135.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Xfinity Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available only in select markets.
†Fox Deportes may require a Spanish-language plan or separate add-on. Check individual package details before subscribing.
How to watch the MLS Playoffs for free
You can’t watch the entire MLS Playoffs for free, but you can still catch the MLS Cup Final on FOX without a monthly TV subscription. All you need is an over-the-air (OTA) antenna that’s strong enough to pick up your local FOX affiliate. That’ll let you watch the championship game live without signing up for Apple TV or another streaming service.
Of course, the antenna itself isn’t free, but it’s a one-time purchase that’ll provide access to local broadcast channels for years to come. Before buying one, enter your zip code in Antennas Direct’s Transmitter Locator to see which channels you can receive in your area.
Eligible new subscribers can also try Apple TV free for seven days, giving them a chance to catch part of the MLS Playoffs without paying. The subscription renews automatically unless canceled, so use the button below to check your eligibility and get started.
How to watch the MLS Playoffs FAQ
Can I watch the MLS Playoffs without Apple TV?
Yes, but you won't get every game. Select playoff matches air on FS1 and Fox Deportes, while the MLS Cup Final also airs on FOX. You'll need Apple TV to stream the complete postseason.
Does FOX One stream the MLS Playoffs?
Yes, FOX One carries the playoff games airing on FOX Sports networks, including FS1 and Fox Deportes. But it doesn't include every playoff matchup, so Apple TV is the better subscription for complete coverage.
Can I watch multiple MLS playoff games at once?
Yes, Apple TV's multiview feature lets you watch up to four live MLS matches simultaneously on an Apple TV 4K device. That said, playoff games don't overlap a whole lot because of staggered kickoff times, so you probably won't need multiview as often as during the regular season.
How can I watch the MLS Playoffs in Canada?
Canadian fans can stream every MLS playoff match on Apple TV. TSN and RDS will also air select games, including the MLS Cup Final.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com sports editor, Taylor Kujawa, examined the best ways to watch the MLS Playoffs. Taylor compared the prices and channel offerings of popular TV services to identify the most convenient viewing options. His English- and Spanish-language recommendations prioritize channel availability, price, and ease of sign-up.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
More ways to watch soccer
Discover how to watch the NWSL Playoffs! Our guide covers the full TV schedule, ABC and CBS coverage, Prime Video streaming, and free viewing options.
Major League Soccer's partnership with Apple TV continues this year, but with a game-changing update. Here's your ultimate guide to watching every MLS match this season.
If you're a soccer fan, don't miss our lineup of the best TV providers you need to catch all the matches from your team. Score some inside information here!
