Major League Soccer is divided into Eastern and Western Conferences, with 15 teams in each competing. Match points are calculated as follows: 3 points for a win, 0 points for a loss, and 1 point each for a draw. Teams are ultimately ranked by total points. Should teams be level on points, the standings are determined by the number of wins. If wins remain equal, the goal difference is considered. Should goal difference still be identical, the total goals scored are used to separate the teams. The MLS Cup champions qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League. Canadian MLS clubs are ineligible for direct CONCACAF Champions League qualification and must instead compete in the Canadian Championship for a spot. Should a Canadian club win the Canadian Championship, the CONCACAF Champions League qualification spot is awarded to the MLS Cup runners-up.

The play-offs are conducted across Eastern and Western Conferences, comprising the First Round, Semi-finals, Conference Finals, and MLS Cup (the Championship Final). Eighteen teams participate: the top seven from each conference's regular season qualify directly for the First Round. The eighth and ninth-placed teams from each conference contest a play-off match for the remaining First Round spot. The play-offs commence on 22nd October and conclude on 7th December.

First Round Playoffs: The format is best-of-three matches. Should a match end in a draw after 90 minutes, it proceeds directly to a penalty shootout to determine the winner. No aggregate score is carried over from this round.

Quarter-finals, Semi-finals (Conference Finals), and Finals (Championship): These are single-elimination matches. Should a match end in a draw after regulation time, it proceeds to extra time. Should extra time also end in a draw, a penalty shootout is conducted.