The 2026 MLS regular season is heading towards its climax with several still to be decided in both conferences.
All of the playoff spots in the Eastern Conference have been determined, but the seeding for several clubs has yet to be determined. Nashville SC, who won the Supporters’ Shield, is already the No. 1 seed, while the Philadelphia Union failed to climb higher than the No. 6 seed.
Nashville SC is also chasing league history, needing just one point against FC Cincinnati to set a new record for points in a season.
With six teams fighting for the final three playoff spots, the Western Conference still has a lot going for it. Among them are LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake.
All Eastern Conference games will begin at 4:00 PM ET, while Western Conference games will begin at 7:00 PM ET.
Here’s a closer look at what to expect with the Decision Day action set for Saturday:
Nashville SC is chasing the single season scoring record
Nashville SC’s historic season could reach a new high on Judgment Day. The current Supporters’ Shield winners have a chance to break the league record for most points in a regular season.
Their 74 points tied them with Inter Miami on the all-time list, but at least one point at FC Cincinnati on Saturday would officially give them the record.
Eastern Conference
All nine playoff spots in the East are up for grabs, but the question that remains for many is who finishes where?
Nashville SC has already sealed the top spot, while the Philadelphia Union know they can’t go higher than 6th. Both FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew can leapfrog the League by Saturday’s end, while ninth-place Orlando City can’t finish higher than No. 7.
The Union hosts already-beaten Toronto FC, while FC Cincinnati hosts Nashville SC, the Crew visits the Chicago Fire, and Orlando City faces the New England Revolution at home.
With a win and/or tie, both Philadelphia and Cincinnati would remain in their respective positions in the standings, but only if they manage to lose their respective matches and Columbus and Orlando can win their final games of the season. They would leapfrog them in the standings and avoid playing in the play-offs.
On the opposite side of the table, second-placed Inter Miami will look to secure the No. 2 streak when they host Charlotte FC.
Charlotte FC is currently fifth in the East and a win on the road could secure home advantage if the Chicago Fire is paired with a loss or a draw. However, if Chicago beat the Columbus Crew, they would be on their home court, while a draw or loss could see them slide by the end of the day.
For Inter Miami, having the No. 2 round, beating Charlotte FC at home is quite simple. Third-placed New England is just one point behind the Herons in the standings and could leapfrog them with a win over Orlando City, who dropped a point for Inter Miami.
Three Western playoff spots are up for grabs
Six teams left, three playoff spots up for grabs. Such is the current situation in the Western Conference.
Just three points separate seventh and 12th in the conference, with the two clubs in contention on Saturday.
The LA Galaxy are currently in seventh place and will look to qualify for the playoffs on the road against one of their direct rivals for a playoff spot, Real Salt Lake. As for RSL, a win over the Galaxy paired with losses or draws from the Portland Timbers, Colorado Rapids and Seattle Sounders will secure them a spot in the postseason.
Portland visit eighth-placed already eliminated Austin FC and will be looking for a loss or draw against the teams below them in the standings to secure their playoff spot.
Despite the Loons sitting just three points behind the LA Galaxy in the standings, Minnesota United have the toughest road to the playoffs. Not only do the Loons have to beat the relegated San Jose Earthquakes, but they also have to see several of the clubs above drop points in their matches.
As for the Seattle Sounders and the Colorado Rapids, they have two tough matchups ahead of them on Decision Day.
The Sounders host LAFC and the Rapids visit FC Dallas, pitting both against two clubs that have already locked up playoff spots. Seattle knows a win on the final day would go a long way, but they could also sneak in with draws and results going the way of Portland and Colorado.
The same goes for Colorado, a win gives them a great chance to win, but a draw in Dallas combined with other results could see them slip into the playoffs.