MLS NEXT Pro 2026 Playoffs: Conference Quarterfinals Preview
The MLS NEXT Pro playoffs are here, with eight Conference Quarterfinal matchups set to kick off a month of high-stakes football. From first-time playoff contenders to former champions, here's a look at the teams fighting to keep their seasons alive.
The 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season has reached its most important stage. After months of competition, 16 teams remain in the hunt for the MLS NEXT Pro Cup, with the Conference Quarterfinals taking place from October 16–18.
This year's tournament brings an added twist. For the first time, MLS NEXT Pro introduced a Play-in Round, giving two additional teams a chance to fight their way into the final 16. The league's unique Pick-Your-Opponent format also returns, allowing higher-seeded teams to choose who they face in the opening rounds.
It's a format that adds an extra layer of pressure. Picking your opponent might offer a tactical advantage, but it also gives the opposition plenty of motivation to prove that decision wrong.
With a place in the Conference Semifinals at stake, here's how all eight opening-round matchups are shaping up.
Eastern Conference
Atlanta United 2 vs. CT United FC — October 16
Atlanta United 2 enter their first MLS NEXT Pro postseason with one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in the competition.
Golden Boot winner Arif Kovac finished the regular season with 20 goals, while Cameron Dunbar led the league with 13 assists. That combination has been central to Atlanta's rise to third in the Eastern Conference.
CT United FC, meanwhile, have made the playoffs in their inaugural season. The independent club enjoyed an impressive second half of the campaign and will be looking to make a statement in its first postseason appearance.
Atlanta won the teams' regular-season meeting 4–1, but knockout football is a different challenge. If CT United can limit the service into Kovac and keep the match tight, they have a chance to turn this into a much more difficult contest for the hosts.
Columbus Crew 2 vs. New England Revolution II — October 17
Fourth-seeded Columbus Crew 2 face fifth-seeded New England Revolution II in one of the closest matchups on paper. With just one position separating the teams in the Eastern Conference standings, neither side enters as an overwhelming favourite.
Columbus have the advantage of playing at home, but the biggest factor could be which team handles the pressure better. In a single-elimination fixture, one defensive mistake or one moment of quality can decide the outcome.
Expect a competitive game where the midfield battle and ability to capitalize on chances could make all the difference.
Chattanooga FC vs. New York City FC II — October 18
Chattanooga FC have been one of the standout stories of the 2026 season, securing second place in the Eastern Conference and earning the opportunity to host their opening playoff match.
Forward Alex Krehl has led the charge, putting together an outstanding goalscoring campaign. His ability to find space and finish chances has made him one of the league's most threatening attackers.
New York City FC II enter as the sixth seed, but Chattanooga specifically chose them through the Pick-Your-Opponent process.
That's what makes this matchup interesting. Chattanooga clearly sees this as a favourable draw, but NYCFC II now have an opportunity to punish that confidence. Whether Chattanooga can control the tempo at home or New York can disrupt their rhythm will be worth watching.
Crown Legacy FC vs. Red Bull New York II — October 18
Top-seeded Crown Legacy FC begin their playoff campaign against a Red Bull New York II side that has already survived a knockout test.
Red Bull New York II secured their place in the final 16 with a 3–1 victory over Huntsville City FC in the Play-in Round. Crown Legacy, on the other hand, earned the Eastern Conference's top seed through their regular-season performances.
The challenge for Crown Legacy will be turning that regular-season success into a playoff run. Red Bull II arrive knowing they can handle a win-or-go-home situation, which could make them a dangerous opponent.
Crown Legacy will be expected to take the initiative, but Red Bull II have nothing to lose. An early goal for the visitors could completely change the direction of this matchup.
Western Conference
Ventura County FC vs. Minnesota United FC 2 — October 16
Third-seeded Ventura County FC host fifth-seeded Minnesota United FC 2 in a matchup that could be decided by the smallest margins.
Ventura County finished the regular season with 53 points, compared to Minnesota's 45, and chose MNUFC2 as their opening-round opponent.
Playing at Dignity Health Sports Park provides Ventura County with a familiar setting, but Minnesota will be looking to make the most of an opportunity to knock out one of the conference's higher seeds.
The key will be which side can establish control early. Ventura County will want to use their home advantage and dictate the game, while Minnesota could benefit from forcing a more open, unpredictable contest.
Portland Timbers2 vs. St Louis CITY2 — October 16
Portland Timbers2 have enjoyed their strongest MLS NEXT Pro season to date, finishing second in the Western Conference with 57 points and securing their first playoff appearance.
Their success has been built on a strong collective effort, with goalkeeper Sam Joseph, Nicklas Lund and Eric Izoita all earning Best XI recognition.
St. Louis CITY2 bring a different kind of advantage: postseason experience. They are the only club to have qualified for every MLS NEXT Pro postseason since the league began in 2022.
Portland had the better of the regular-season meetings, recording a 2–1 victory and another match won through a shootout.
The question now is whether Portland's regular-season form can carry into knockout football or whether St. Louis' playoff experience will give them the edge when it matters most.
Houston Dynamo 2 vs. LAFC 2 — October 18
Houston Dynamo 2 and LAFC 2 meet in another intriguing Western Conference contest, with only seven points separating them at the end of the regular season.
Houston secured fourth place with 52 points, while LAFC 2 finished sixth with 45.
For Houston, the priority will be making their home advantage count. LAFC 2, meanwhile, have an opportunity to disrupt the higher seed's plans and extend their own season.
This matchup could come down to transitions and defensive organization. Whichever team protects possession better and avoids getting caught out of position will put itself in a strong position to advance.
Austin FC II vs. San Jose Earthquakes II — October 18
Austin FC II enter the postseason as the Western Conference's top seed and the team with the best regular-season record across MLS NEXT Pro.
With 65 points, Austin have earned home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. They also know what it takes to win this competition, having lifted the MLS NEXT Pro Cup in 2023.
San Jose Earthquakes II have already shown their resilience. After a dramatic 4–4 draw against Tacoma Defiance in the Play-in Round, San Jose advanced with a 3–1 penalty shootout victory.
Austin will be expected to control the game, but San Jose have already survived one elimination match and will be looking to produce one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
For Austin, anything short of a deep playoff run would be disappointing. For San Jose, this is a chance to show that regular-season rankings mean little once the whistle blows.
The Road to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup
The eight winners will advance to the Conference Semifinals, scheduled for October 23–25, where the Pick-Your-Opponent format comes into play once again.
From there, the competition moves into the Conference Finals before the last two remaining clubs battle for the MLS NEXT Pro Cup during the November 6–8 weekend.
Austin FC II and Crown Legacy FC enter as the top seeds, but the opening round features plenty of teams capable of changing the tournament's direction. With several clubs making their playoff debuts and others carrying years of postseason experience, there's no shortage of storylines heading into the weekend.
For the players, these matches represent more than an opportunity to win silverware. MLS NEXT Pro continues to serve as an important pathway toward first-team football, and strong performances in high-pressure matches can help young players take the next step in their careers.
At OPSM Soccer, we'll be following the action as the final 16 compete for a place in the next round and move one step closer to lifting the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro Cup.
