Decision Day has arrived for the Western Conference, with all postseason scenarios to be determined on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. The final matches of the regular season will decide which teams qualify for the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs and who earns home-field advantage in Round One.
At the top of the standings, Vancouver Whitecaps FC has already secured the West's No. 1 seed. They can secure the second MLS Cup presented by Audi hosting priority, trailing only Supporters' Shield winners Nashville SC, if they earn a point against CF Montréal on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. In second place, FC Dallas has secured a top-four spot and needs one point against the Colorado Rapids to finish second in the West. San Jose Earthquakes, currently in third with 52 points, could jump to second with a win at Minnesota United FC and a Dallas loss.
Home-field advantage for Round One is currently contested between St. Louis CITY SC and Houston Dynamo FC. St. Louis CITY SC, in fourth place, can claim a top-four spot with a draw, while Houston Dynamo FC, in fifth, can enter the top four with a win.
The battle for the final playoff spots includes several teams with 43 points: the Portland Timbers, Colorado Rapids, and Seattle Sounders FC. A win for Portland would guarantee their postseason berth. Colorado Rapids can book a playoff spot with a win at FC Dallas, while Seattle Sounders FC requires a win against LAFC and specific results from other teams to avoid missing the playoffs for the second time in 18 seasons.
Real Salt Lake sits in 11th place and faces elimination with a loss, though a win could potentially lift them as high as seventh. Minnesota United FC, in 12th, could still end up hosting a Wild Card match if they earn three points and receive help from other results.
Several teams have already finalized their postseason status. San Diego FC has been eliminated from contention following their expansion year and could finish 12th or 13th. Austin FC, in 14th, has missed the playoffs for the fourth time in six seasons. Sporting Kansas City, in 15th, is guaranteed to finish last in the West but can avoid the Wooden Spoon if they win and Montréal loses.
All Western Conference matches are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, with several games broadcast on Apple TV.
