MLS playoff picture: LAFC, Philadelphia Union among teams that can clinch

MLS Decision Day 2026 ( Saturday, Nov. 7 , mark your calendars!) will be here before you know it.

There are just three or four matches to be played by each Major League Soccer club and the playoff picture is clearing up. Nine of the available 18 postseason spots have been secured; four more playoff berths can be claimed this weekend.

Here's a look at the playoff picture and this weekend's clinching scenarios, starting with the teams that already have secured postseason berths:

MLS action, goals, scenes and drama from 2026 season

MLS playoff clinching scenarios for Oct. 24-25

Minnesota United loss or draw, Real Salt Lake loss, San Diego FC loss or draw, and Portland Timbers loss or draw

Win, Minnesota United loss or draw, Real Salt Lake loss or draw, LA Galaxy loss or draw, and Portland Timbers loss or draw

There are also scenarios for Nashville SC to clinch the No. 1 playoff seed and the 2026 Supporters' Shield:

MLS Matchday 32: What are this weekend's games?

What is the format and schedule for the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs?

A total of 18 teams qualify for the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs — the top nine finishers from each conference.

The eighth- and ninth-place finishers in each conference will play in wild-card matches. The top seven seeds qualify for the Round 1 best-of-three series.

Nov. 18: Wild-card matches (single-elimination matches)

Nov. 20-Dec. 2: Round 1 (best-of-three series)

Dec. 5-6: Conference semifinals (single-elimination matches)

Dec. 11-12: Conference finals (single-elimination matches)

Dec. 18: MLS Cup (single winner-take-all match)

MLS playoff picture: If the season ended today …

Heading into MLS Matchday 32, these would be the MLS playoff matchups through the first round:

FC Cincinnati (No. 8 seed) vs. Red Bull New York (9)

Nashville SC (1) vs. Cincinnati-RBNY winner

New England Revolution (3) vs. Philadelphia Union (6)

Chicago Fire FC (4) vs. Charlotte FC (5)

LA Galaxy (No. 8 seed) vs. Colorado Rapids (9)

Vancouver Whitecaps (1) vs. Galaxy-Colorado winner

St. Louis City SC (2) vs. Seattle Sounders (7)

San Jose Earthquakes (4) vs. Houston Dynamo FC (5)

Major League Soccer tifos through the years

MLS betting odds: Who is favorite to win championship?

According to BetMGM , Inter Miami (+400) are the favorites to win MLS Cup.

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