The 2025 MLS and Canadian Premier League seasons delivered thrills from regular season dominance to playoff chaos, paving exciting paths toward 2026 campaigns.
As the confetti settled on Inter Miami’s MLS Cup triumph and Atletico Ottawa’s extra-time Canadian Premier League glory in late 2025, one truth stood out across North America’s top domestic leagues: nothing beats the madness of a season where regular-season bosses get toppled by playoff rebels.
From Philadelphia Union’s point-perfection parade to Forge FC’s early-year steamroll, the scripts seemed set, until the knockout rounds turned everything upside down, handing crowns to the hungry underdogs and leaving fans buzzing about what’s next.
This piece dives into those wild swings, unpacking the dominant regular campaigns, the heart-stopping playoff paths, the players who lit up scoreboards, and the off-field shifts signaling brighter days ahead. With MLS riding Lionel Messi’s magic toward World Cup fever and Canadian Premier League expanding its footprint, 2025 was not just a season, it was the spark for even bigger fireworks in 2026.
MLS and Canadian Premier League 2025: The Backdrop
In the 2025 MLS season, the Philadelphia Union ruled the regular campaign like kings on their throne. They grabbed the Supporters’ Shield with 66 points from 34 games, edging out FC Cincinnati and Inter Miami CF, who both hit 65 points. Meanwhile, newcomers San Diego FC topped the Western Conference with 63.
This locked in home advantage deep into the playoffs for Philly, but as everyone knows, the prize comes from knockout glory, not just points tallies. The post-season kicked off October 22 with wild card games, best-of-three first rounds, and single-elimination semis and finals, testing who could handle the heat.
On the other hand, the 2025 Canadian Premier League (CPL) campaign will long be remembered as a season of two distinct halves. For much of the year, it appeared to be a coronation procession for Forge FC. The Hamilton-based club was imperious during the quadruple round-robin regular season, securing the regular season title and the CPL Shield with a consistency that left rivals trailing in their wake.
This dominance earned them a deserved place in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. However, football is rarely straightforward. As interest in the domestic game grows, so does the analytical scrutiny surround it. In fact, CSB compiled a list of betting apps available in Canada to help fans understand the probabilities and odds that define the sport.
Yet, no algorithm could have predicted the chaotic twists that the playoffs would deliver. The post-season operated under a modified Page playoff system involving the top five teams, a format designed to test the mettle of the league’s elite.
Playoff Mayhem
MLS playoffs exploded with drama right away. Chicago Fire FC punched their wild card ticket by beating Orlando City 3-1, while Portland Timbers edged Real Salt Lake 3-1 in the West. First round saw Philly Union sweep Chicago 2-0 after penalties in game one, but they crashed out in semis 0-1 to New York City FC.
Inter Miami powered through Nashville SC in three games (3-1, 1-2 loss, 4-0 win), then smashed Cincinnati 4-0 and NYCFC 5-1 to claim the East. In the West, San Diego FC, the expansion stars, beat Portland 2-1 before falling 1-3 to Vancouver Whitecaps in the conference final; Vancouver had swept Dallas and outlasted LAFC on pens after 2-2 extra time.
The December 6 MLS Cup at the Chase Stadium saw Inter Miami grab their first title, winning 3-1 over Vancouver thanks to an own goal, Ali Ahmed’s reply, Rodrigo De Paul strike, and Tadeo Allende’s late clincher, with Lionel Messi assisting twice.
As for the Canadian Premier League, when the pressure ramped up, the script flipped. The play-in round set the tone for the drama to come, as York United edged past HFX Wanderers on penalties following a gritty 2-2 stalemate. However, their journey ended abruptly in the quarterfinals, where Cavalry FC showcased their lethal edge with a decisive 4-1 victory.
The semifinals provided the season’s biggest shocks. Atletico Ottawa, often the underdog in these high-stakes match-ups, stunned the heavy favorites Forge FC with a 2-1 triumph. Consequently, Forge was forced into a second semifinal against their perennial rivals, Cavalry FC.
In a tight, nervous affair, Cavalry prevailed 1-0, setting the stage for a historic finale. On Sunday, November 9, 2025, the eyes of the country turned to TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario. In front of a rapturous home crowd, Atletico Ottawa battled Cavalry FC for the ultimate prize.
The match lived up to the billing, requiring extra time to find a winner. In the end, Atletico Ottawa emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline, clinching the 2025 league championship and sending their supporters into delirium.
Statistical Standouts
Stars lit up MLS 2025. Lionel Messi took the Golden Boot with 29 regular-season goals and 19 assists, then bossed playoffs with six goals and nine assists. Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United earned Goalkeeper of the Year with a league-best 77.93% save rate, 113 saves, and 10 shutouts. Bradley Carnell, Philadelphia’s rookie boss, snagged Coach of the Year for steering the Union to Shield glory.
On the other hand, while the collective effort was paramount, individual brilliance defined the 2025 Canadian Premier League campaign. Samuel Salter was the undisputed talisman for Atlético Ottawa. The striker was lethal in front of goal, netting 19 goals to secure the Golden Boot. His exploits also earned him the Player of the Year award, a testament to his influence on the champions’ success.
At the other end of the pitch, Jassem Koleilat of Forge FC was a wall, claiming the Golden Glove for the cleanest sheets. Despite his team’s playoff heartbreak, Bobby Smyrniotis was recognized for his tactical acumen, winning Coach of the Year for guiding Forge to the top of the regular season standings.
MLS, Canadian Premier League: Two leagues on the rise
Both leagues showed growth pains and gains. MLS tweaked roster rules for 2025, allowing cash-for-player trades, two contract buyouts per team, later summer windows, and flexible Designated Player slots when loaning stars, moves that spiced up squads and deals. Attendance dipped to 21,988 average per game, down 5% from 2024 highs, though Atlanta United led at over 43,000 and San Diego packed 28,000+ in debut year. The Canadian Premier League mirrored the upward vibe of MLS.
The 2025 season was significant for reasons beyond the trophy presentation. The league is clearly maturing, evidenced by roster rule changes and an increase in the total player compensation budget. These moves have visibly improved the product on the field.
Fan support is following suit. Attendance figures trended upward, with Forge FC leading the pack, averaging approximately 6,932 fans per game. As the CPL prepares for expansion to nine teams in 2026, the foundation looks stronger than ever. The drama of 2025 has set a high bar, but the trajectory of Canadian soccer suggests the best is yet to come.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 MLS season saw Philadelphia Union’s regular-season reign give way to Inter Miami’s playoff magic, crowned by Lionel Messi’s mastery in a 3-1 Cup win over Vancouver Whitecaps amid roster tweaks and solid but slightly softer crowds. Up north, the Canadian Premier League’s Forge FC regular romp flipped to Atletico Ottawa’s stunning championship after playoff pandemonium.
As 2026 looms, MLS eyes World Cup buzz with 30 teams steady, new stadiums like Miami Freedom Park, and stars like Messi pushing limits. So, expect fiercer battles. The Canadian Premier League swells to nine clubs, building on fan surges and better budgets for even wilder rides ahead.
