Decision Day

Inter Miami become 7th MLS expansion team to qualify for MLS Cup Playoffs in debut season

Blaise Matuidi - celebration - Inter Miami - November 1, 2020

Inter Miami CF joined the short list of seven MLS expansion teams in the 25-year history of the league to make the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in their inaugural season.


A 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati on the final day of the 2020 regular season, coupled with losses by Atlanta United and Chicago Fire FC, saw Inter Miami clinch the 10th and final spot in the East.


They advance to the Play-In round where they will meet fellow expansion side and No. 7 seed Nashville SC, who beat Miami to a postseason berth by a little over a week. That single-elimination knockout match will be played on Friday, Nov. 20 (9 p.m. ET on ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, TSN and TVAS).


Here's the full list of seven expansion teams to make the playoffs in their debut campaigns:


  • 2020: Inter Miami CF, Nashville SC
  • 2018: LAFC
  • 2017: Atlanta United FC
  • 2009: Seattle Sounders FC
  • 1998: Chicago Fire, Miami Fusion


One of the two 2020 expansion sides will continue their postseason run in Round One, the next step in their attempt to make history and join the 1998 Chicago Fire as the only MLS team to win MLS Cup in the first year of the club's existence. Here's the complete postseason schedule which culminates in MLS Cup on December 12.


Austin FC, who will be come the latest MLS expansion debutant in 2021, have their work cut out for them to match Nashville and Miami.


Exclusive interview: Lewis Morgan