MLS analysis

Fri, Nov 6

MLS Decision Day 2026: the East's nine playoff clubs are set and Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Columbus and Orlando chase the last two direct Round One places, while six West clubs from the Galaxy on 44 to Minnesota on 41 fight for three spots

All 30 clubs have played 33 of their 34 games. In the East the nine playoff clubs and the six eliminated clubs are all settled, and what is left is the last two places in the top seven, which go straight to Round One. Philadelphia, on 47, need only a draw and Cincinnati, on 46, a win. In the West the Galaxy on 44, Portland, Colorado and Seattle on 43, Real Salt Lake on 42 and Minnesota on 41 fight for seventh to ninth. Only the Galaxy can clinch on their own with a win, and Real Salt Lake and Minnesota are out if they lose. The last 15 games kick off together in two waves on Saturday, November 7 in the US.