MLS
2023 MLS Cup final: times, how to watch on TV and stream online
Holders LAFC are looking to become just the fourth team to retain MLS Cup when they travel to Columbus Crew on Saturday.
The winners of MLS Cup 2023 will be crowned on Saturday as Columbus Crew host LAFC.
Follow Columbus Crew - LAFC live online: MLS Cup Final 2023 | Score, stats and updates.
This year’s final brings together two of the most thrilling attacking sides in MLS. Columbus were the top scorers in the regular season and have continued in that vein in the playoffs, scoring 13 goals in just five games.
LAFC boast one of the most formidable attacking lineups in the league, including MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga. The Gabonese forward has hit 37 goals for LAFC this year, leaving him just one short of the MLS single-season scoring record.
When is the MLS Cup final?
This year’s final will take place on Saturday, 9 December at Columbus’ Lower.com Field.
Kick-off is set for 4pm ET / 1pm PT.
How can I watch MLS Cup?
Soccer fans all over the world will be able to watch all of the action live on Apple TV. Throughout the season every single MLS and Leagues Cup game has been available to view on Apple TV’s Season Pass subscription service.
For the showpiece final, the game will be made available to stream for free on Apple TV. You can also find full minute-by-minute text commentary right here on AS USA.
Watch the game live on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass
In addition to the streaming option, viewers in the United States and Canada will be able to watch the game on satellite TV channels.
USA: FOX, FOX Deportes
Canada: TSN, RDS
What happens if MLS Cup is tied?
Saturday’s game promises to be a real thriller, with two proactive teams playing contrasting styles.
Columbus have looked rejuvenated under Wilfried Nancy this season, playing a high-tempo system that gets the most out of their ball-playing team. Team captain Darlington Nagbe is looking to pick up his fourth MLS Cup winners medal, while Cucho Hernandez is one of the best all-round strikers in the league.
LAFC’s success this season has been built on their devastating counter-attacking quality, with Bouanga joining Carlos Vela and Cristian Olivera in an offensive trident. The likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Ryan Hollingshead provide real experience for Steve Cherundolo’s side.
It’s set to be a thrilling game, but what happens if the scores are level at the end of the 90 minutes? If that is the case the teams will play 30 minutes of extra-time, split into two 15-minute halves, to find a winner.
If the game is still tied at the end of the additional half an hour, MLS Cup will be decided by a penalty shootout. That is exactly what happened last year, as LAFC picked up the first MLS Cup in franchise history.