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Happening nowOct 30 – Dec 5, 2026

MLS Cup Playoffs 2026: Dates, Format & How Teams Prepare

The MLS Cup Playoffs 2026 begin November 18 and crown a champion on December 18. Here's the schedule, format, and how to order custom team apparel in time.

MLS Cup Playoffs

In short: The 2026 MLS Cup playoffs run from November 18 to December 18, with the final on December 18. Eighteen teams compete in this single-elimination tournament, the North American professional soccer championship. If you're ordering custom fan shirts, team uniforms or supporter gear, production takes 3–6 weeks from approval—so planning starts now.

2026 MLS Cup Playoffs schedule: dates and format

Round 2026 Dates Format
Wild Card November 18, 2026 (both conferences same day) Single-elimination; No. 8 vs. No. 9 seed in each conference
Round One Best-of-3 November 20–December 2, 2026 Best-of-3 series; higher seed hosts first match
Conference Semifinals December 5–6, 2026 Single-elimination; one match per conference
Conference Finals December 11–12, 2026 One match per conference; higher seed hosts
MLS Cup (Championship) December 18, 2026 (Friday, primetime) Single match; champion crowned

Decision Day (final regular-season match) is November 7, 2026, followed by an 11-day pause for the FIFA international window before playoffs begin.

Ordering custom team apparel: timeline and deadlines

Minimum order: 10 pieces per style. Mixed sizes (youth to adult) count toward the MOQ.

Whether you're a booster club, supporters' group, local academy team or watch-party organizer, custom fan shirts and team uniforms in your colors are a way to mark the playoffs. Custom apparel takes 3–6 weeks after design approval, so plan your order now to avoid missing your round.

Order by these dates to meet playoff rounds:

  • Wild Card (Nov. 18): Order by early October
  • Round One (Nov. 20–Dec. 2): Order by early October
  • Conference Semifinals (Dec. 5–6): Order by mid-October
  • Conference Finals (Dec. 11–12): Order by mid-October
  • MLS Cup (Dec. 18): Order by late October

If your deadline is tight, contact enquiry@cjpapparel.com immediately with your round, roster size and ship-to address. We review urgent timelines and confirm what's achievable.

What to order: CJP packages and pricing

CJP APPAREL soccer products come in tiered pricing based on quantity. All prices include worldwide delivery to one address. Here are realistic packages for playoff teams and supporters:

For fan clubs and watch parties

Fan shirts in team colors: Custom tees with your team name and numbers on premium mesh or interlock. Pricing: $18.50 per shirt (10–24 pieces) down to $9 per shirt (250+). For a 20-person booster club at the 10–24 tier: $370 total. At 250+ volume: $180 total. Add embroidery or sublimation for logos and crests.

Training bibs: $6 per piece (10–24) down to $3 per piece (250+) in high-visibility colors, numbered on request. For a 30-piece club order at 10–24 tier: $180. At 250+: $90.

For local teams and academies

Match Kit (Jersey + Shorts + Socks): $33 per set (10–24 pieces) down to $18 per set (250+). A 15-player squad at 10–24 tier: $495 total. Fully sublimated crew or V-neck jerseys, lightweight shorts with player numbers, and cushioned socks in team colors. Free digital mockup in your colors before production.

Home & Away Kit (2 Jerseys + 2 Shorts + Socks): $58.50 per set (10–24) down to $31.50 per set (250+). A 12-player team at 10–24 tier: $702 total. Covers both kits for season and playoffs without reordering.

Full Club Package (Kit + Training Top + Tracksuit + Backpack): $132.50 per set (10–24) down to $75 per set (250+). Complete travel and match-day wear for a squad of 15 at 10–24 tier: $1,987.50 total. Includes performance training tops, windproof tracksuits for sideline and travel, and embroidered team backpacks.

For players and sideline staff

Training tops and quarter-zips: $25.50–$15 per piece (10–24 to 250+) for practice and warm-ups. Update stock mid-season or add playoff branding.

Tracksuits (jacket + pants): $43.50–$25.50 per set (10–24 to 250+) for pre-match and travel. Lightweight tricot fabric, fully sublimated with team colors and crests.

Team backpacks: $40.50–$23 per piece (10–24 to 250+). Durable ripstop with boot compartment and embroidered club crest.

Fabric and customization options

All soccer uniforms are made in breathable, 2-way stretch fabrics like Pro Mesh, Birdseye Mesh or Smooth Interlock—all 100% polyester, moisture-wicking and sublimation-ready in any color. Sublimation printing allows unlimited colors integrated into the fabric (never cracks, peels or fades). Embroidery is available for team crests and logos on caps, jackets and backpacks. Tackle twill numbers are stitched onto jerseys for a classic pro look.

How to order: step-by-step

  1. Request a quote: Email enquiry@cjpapparel.com with your team name, colors, product (e.g., 'Match Kit for 15 players'), quantity, and playoff round deadline.
  2. Free digital mockup: We send a color mockup of your design in your team colors within 48 hours—no charge, no obligation.
  3. Approve the mockup: Review fit, colors, numbers and positioning. Request changes if needed.
  4. Pre-production sample: Every order includes a free video sample of the first piece—filmed in detail showing fabric, stretch, print and seams. Approve the video and we begin bulk production.
  5. Production: Typically 3–6 weeks depending on quantity and season demand. We confirm delivery date at order.
  6. Delivery: Shipped worldwide to one address; delivery included in quoted price. You pay any import duties or local taxes (VAT/GST/sales tax) separately to your customs or carrier.

FAQ

Q: How many teams are in the MLS Cup Playoffs 2026?
A: Eighteen teams—the top nine from the Eastern Conference and the top nine from the Western Conference.

Q: What is the minimum order for custom soccer uniforms?
A: The minimum is 10 pieces per style. Mixed sizes (youth XS to adult 5XL) count toward the minimum. Pricing drops at 25, 50, 100 and 250 pieces.

Q: Can I print custom team names and player numbers on the jerseys?
A: Yes. You can print your own team name, player numbers, and custom designs on every piece. We handle sublimation (unlimited colors into the fabric) and embroidery (stitched logos and crests) of any original artwork you provide or we design for you.

Q: How long does production take, and will I meet my playoff deadline?
A: Production is typically 3–6 weeks after mockup approval. To meet specific rounds: Wild Card/Round One → order by early October; Conference Finals → order by mid-October. Tell us your exact deadline and we confirm if it's achievable.

Q: Do your prices include shipping worldwide?
A: Yes. Quoted prices include delivery to one address anywhere in the world. Import duties and local taxes (VAT, GST, sales tax) where applicable are paid by you to your customs broker or carrier—we confirm this in your quote.

Ready to order custom soccer uniforms or fan apparel for the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs? Request a free quote and digital mockup at enquiry@cjpapparel.com. Include your team colors, product (jersey, shorts, socks, warm-ups, etc.), roster size, and playoff round. We confirm pricing, production timeline and delivery within 24 hours. Every order gets a free pre-production video sample before bulk production starts.

Frequently asked questions

01What is the cost for a 15-player team to order custom Match Kits (Jersey + Shorts + Socks)?+

Match Kit packages run $33 per set at the 10–24 piece tier, dropping to $18 per set at 250+. For 15 players at 10–24 pieces: $495 total. At 25–49 pieces ($30 per set): $450. At 100+ ($21.50 per set): $322.50. All prices include worldwide delivery.

02If I order by mid-October, will my uniforms arrive before Conference Finals on December 11–12?+

Yes, likely. Production is 3–6 weeks after mockup approval. Order by mid-October (Oct. 15), mockup approved by Oct. 20, production finishes by Nov. 30–Dec. 10, and delivery lands by Dec. 6–8. <a href="/contact">Confirm your deadline with enquiry@cjpapparel.com and exact ship-to address</a>.

03Can I order different player numbers and names on each jersey in the same order?+

Yes. Each jersey is sublimated or embroidered individually with your player's unique number and name. All 15 jerseys can have different numbers and player names. Submit your roster with names and numbers at order, and we print them during production.

04What is the free mockup, and how long does it take?+

The free digital mockup is a color rendering of your design in your team colors, showing how the jersey, shorts, numbers and logos will look. We send it within 48 hours of your order request. You review, approve, request changes or approve and move to pre-production sample. No charge, no obligation.

05What if my playoff deadline is tight (e.g., Conference Finals Dec. 11)?+

Contact us immediately at enquiry@cjpapparel.com with your deadline, product, quantity and ship-to address. We review urgent timelines and recommend the fastest realistic path: quicker mockup turnaround, express sample approval, or expedited production and air delivery. Tight deadlines are possible but must be confirmed early—do not wait.

Updated October 30, 2026 · CJP APPAREL editorial team

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