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MLS playoff picture: four teams can clinch while two face elimination

It's almost time for the playoffs.
ByIgnacio Ravagnan
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Minnesota United FC v Atlanta United FC
Minnesota United FC v Atlanta United FC | David Berding/GettyImages

We are in the final stage of the MLS season, with teams fighting to secure playoff spots while others try to stay afloat in the final matches and give their fans something to celebrate before the postseason.

Recently, we had the rescheduled match between FC Cincinnati and D.C. United (the Orange and Blue won 2-1), and we also had the US Open Cup final, where St. Louis were crowned champions after defeating Columbus Crew on penalties away from home.

However, the crucial question before the MLS Matchday weekend is who can clinch a playoff spot and who could be eliminated in the process. Right now, four teams, two from the Eastern Conference and two from the Western Conference, can secure a place.

Who can clinch a playoff spot?

Eastern Conference

Charlotte FC

Charlotte FC defender Harry Toffolo
Oct 17, 2026; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Charlotte FC defender Harry Toffolo (15) looks on against the Philadelphia Union in the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Crown will clinch a berth in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs if one of these three things happens:

  1. Charlotte win/draw at Portland.
  2. Columbus draw vs. Toronto.
  3. Columbus draw vs. Toronto.

To be honest, it depends on Charlotte; with a simple draw against the Timbers, they are safe.

Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union forward Bruno Damiani
Oct 17, 2026; Chester, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Bruno Damiani (9) celebrates with midfielder Cavan Sullivan (6) after scoring a goal against Charlotte FC in the second half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Philadelphia Union will clinch a berth in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs if one of these four things happens:

  1. Philadelphia wins vs. New England.
  2. Philadelphia draws vs. New England and New York draws vs. Miami.
  3. Columbus draw vs. Toronto.
  4. New York loses vs. Miami.

Western Conference

LAFC

Los Angeles FC midfielder Leo Walta
Oct 17, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Los Angeles FC midfielder Leo Walta (81) and Los Angeles FC forward Son Heung-Min (7) line up for a free kick during the first half against the New York City FC at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Smith-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Football Club will clinch a berth in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs if one of these two things happens:

  1. LAFC win/draw vs. LA.
  2. Minnesota lose/draw at Houston, and Salt Lake lose vs. St. Louis, and San Diego lose/draw vs. Seattle, and Portland lose/draw vs. Charlotte.

Seattle Sounders

Seattle Sounders midfielder Sebastian Gomez
Oct 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Sounders midfielder Sebastian Gomez (90) and midfielder Hassani Dotson (31) celebrate a goal during the second halfagainst CF Montreal at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Seattle Sounders will clinch a berth in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs if these things happens:

  1. Seattle win at San Diego and Minnesota lose/draw at Houston and Salt Lake lose/draw vs. St. Louis and LA lose/draw at LAFC and Portland lose/draw vs. Charlotte.

Elimination scenarios

CF Montreal

CF Montreal player, from left, forward Fabian Herbers
Oct 17, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; CF Montreal player, from left, forward Fabian Herbers (21), midfielder Hennadii Synchuk (18), defender Efrain Morales (24), forward Alexis Sanchez (10) and midfielder Samuel Piette (6) celebrate a goal during the first half against the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

CF Montréal will be eliminated from Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs contention if:

  1. Montréal lose/draw vs. Nashville.
  2. Columbus win/lose vs. Toronto.
  3. Atlanta win/draw vs. Chicago.
  4. D.C. win/draw vs. Cincinnati.
  5. New York City win/draw at Orlando.
  6. New York win/draw vs. Miami.

Austin FC

Austin FC forward Christian Ramirez
Oct 17, 2026; Austin, Texas, USA; Austin FC forward Christian Ramirez (21) celebrates a goal by forward Myrto Uzuni (10) during the first half against Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Q2 Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Austin FC will be eliminated from Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs contention if one of these four things happened:

  1. Austin draw at Kansas City, and LA draw at LAFC, and Colorado win vs. Vancouver and Salt Lake win vs. St. Louis.
  2. Austin draw at Kansas City and LA win at LAFC, and Colorado win vs. Vancouver.
  3. Austin lose at Kansas City and LA win/draw at LAFC and Colorado win/draw vs. Vancouver.
  4. Austin lose at Kansas City and Salt Lake win/draw vs. St. Louis and Colorado win/draw vs. Vancouver.
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