How European football stars are performing in the MLS playoffs

As Major League Soccer approaches the final two rounds of its regular season before the playoffs, several high-profile European stars face a decisive stretch to secure their postseason ambitions, Fussball Transfers reported. While clubs in the US league offer a platform for veterans to extend their careers and build their personal brands in a growing market, the immediate stakes center on qualification battles and seeding battles across both conferences.

Vancouver Whitecaps Anchor Western Conference Leadership Through Thomas Müller

Thomas Müller has emerged as a central figure for the Vancouver Whitecaps since moving to the Canadian franchise. The former Bayern Munich fixture has recorded nine goals and six assists across 24 appearances in the current campaign while frequently wearing the captain’s armband.

An October thigh injury sidelined the German attacker for an extended period, but Müller returned to action with a 15-minute substitute appearance in a 4-1 victory over San Diego. With Vancouver holding the top spot in the Western Conference and a secured playoff berth, Müller enters the postseason phase match-fit.

Inter Miami Secures Playoff Position Behind Lionel Messi

In the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami sits in third place with its playoff spot already confirmed. Lionel Messi has driven that campaign with 25 goals and 13 assists in 29 regular-season appearances.

Alongside teammates Casemiro, Luis Suárez, and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi aims to capture the MLS Cup. Miami previously claimed the trophy last year by defeating Müller and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.

LA Galaxy Fights for the Final Playoff Spot Under Marco Reus

Marco Reus joined LA Galaxy following the conclusion of his tenure at Borussia Dortmund. Entering the final two matches of the regular season, LA Galaxy sits in tenth place, one point behind Real Salt Lake for the final postseason qualifying position in the Western Conference.

Reus has contributed eight goals and nine assists in 29 games. Securing a playoff berth depends not only on the remaining fixtures but also on an immediate upturn in form from the team’s wider roster.

Orlando City Welcomes Antoine Griezmann Into US Soccer

Antoine Griezmann completed a move to Orlando City after making no secret of his long-standing interest in American sports, particularly the NBA. The former France international has adapted quickly to the league, registering 14 goals and eight assists in 16 appearances.

Los Angeles FC Secures Postseason Berth With Heung-min Son

Heung-min Son has locked up a playoff spot with Los Angeles FC after arriving at the California club in August 2025. The forward has recorded seven goals and 14 assists in 29 matches, functioning primarily as a provider.

Currently sitting sixth in the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC must elevate its performances in the knockout rounds to contend for the cup. Son is under contract through 2027 with an option for an additional two seasons.

Chicago Fire Advances With Robert Lewandowski

Robert Lewandowski has experienced a slower scoring pace since joining Chicago Fire compared to his prolific years in European club football. The 170-time Poland international has tallied six goals in 17 MLS matches.

Despite the modest scoring return, Chicago sits fourth in the Eastern Conference standings and enters the postseason with time remaining for Lewandowski to adjust his statistics.

San Jose Earthquakes Navigate Timo Werner Contribution and Suspension

Timo Werner occupies a distinct tactical role with the San Jose Earthquakes compared to his career in the Bundesliga, occasionally taking set-piece duties such as corners and free kicks. The German forward has accumulated 12 goal contributions in 20 MLS matches.

Werner’s immediate availability is halted, however, following a red card issued during a 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids.

Playoff Standings and Remaining Schedule

With only two fixtures left in the regular-season calendar, franchises are finalizing their postseason seedings. Teams such as Vancouver and Miami hold comfortable positions at the top of their respective tables, while clubs like LA Galaxy remain under pressure to secure a top-nine finish before the knockout bracket begins.