Inter Miami start the postseason against the team that saw them end the regular campaign. Nashville were thumped 5–2 on South Beach as Lionel Messi secured his status as Golden Boot winner with a hat-trick. The Coyotes coach B.J. Callaghan claimed that “we look forward to playing Miami again,” although some fans may feel different.

The Portland Timbers are in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for the second straight season, thanks to other Matchday 38 results. This is Portland's ninth postseason appearance overall. They won MLS Cup in 2015 and fell short in the 2018 and 2021 finals.