The bottom team is automatically relegated, and the second-to-last team will enter a playoff against a team from the lower division to determine if it is relegated. Four teams - based on overall performance during the last four seasons - are relegated.

Depending on the league standings, playoffs for the final promotion and relegation spots may be necessary. Three teams are promoted, and four teams are relegated. The top six teams make the A-League playoffs, with two teams receiving a first-round bye. The top six teams at the end of the regular season make the NWSL playoffs, with two teams receiving a first-round bye. The top twelve teams at the end of the regular season make the Liga MX playoffs, with four teams receiving a first-round bye. The top four teams from each division make the USL playoffs. The top team from each conference receives a first-round bye. The top seven teams from each conference - 14 teams total - make the MLS playoffs. The second-place finisher from each group will play against a third-place finisher from the UEFA Europa League group stage for a spot in the round of 16. The first-place finisher from each group will advance to the round of 16.

The second-place finisher from each group will play against a third-place finisher from the UEFA Champions League group stage for a spot in the round of 16. The third-place team from each group qualifies for the UEFA Europa League knockout phase. The top two teams from each group qualify for the knockout phase.

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