MLS regular season conclusion and schedule transition

Major League Soccer entered its Decision Day, the final round of the regular season, with multiple teams competing for playoff seeding and postseason eligibility. In the Eastern Conference, Inter Miami sought to secure second place, while FC Cincinnati and Orlando City played for direct qualification or to avoid play-in tournaments. In the Western Conference, the Portland Timbers, Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, LA Galaxy, and Seattle Sounders were involved in critical matchups to secure or maintain playoff positions.

The 2026 Decision Day concludes the regular season with 15 simultaneous matches. In the West, six teams, including Minnesota United FC, are competing for the final three available postseason slots. In the East, while nine teams have already qualified, the final matches will determine seeding and home-field advantages for the first round.

This Decision Day marks the end of a 31-season era under the league’s current spring-to-autumn calendar format. Starting with the 2027/28 season, MLS will transition to a July-to-May schedule. This shift aims to align the league more closely with international football transfer windows and reduce competition with the NFL and college football seasons. The final matches also determine the winner of the Golden Boot award.