When Decision Day kicks off Saturday (Nov. 7), focus will be on the standings as teams battle for places across the Eastern and Western Conferences in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.Â
If clubs end tied on points totals after the 34-match regular season, the following tiebreakers will determine seeding and postseason qualification, as well as MLS Cup hosting priority, awarded to the best-finishing finalist in the Supporters’ Shield table.
TIEBREAKING PROCEDURES
- Total number of wins
- Goal Differential (GD)
- Goals For (GF)
- Fewest Disciplinary Points* per match
- Away Goals Differential
- Away Goals For
- Home Goals Differential
- Home Goals For
- Coin Toss (tie of two clubs) or Drawing of Lots (tie of three or more clubs)
After the MLS regular-season tiebreaker winner is determined, any clubs that remain tied from the first round of tiebreakers will proceed to a second round of the MLS regular-season tiebreaker procedures to determine team standings.
The MLS regular-season tiebreaker protocol will continue until the final team standings have been determined.
DISCIPLINARY POINTS
- Foul - 1 Point
- Technical Staff Warnings - 2 Points
- Yellow Card - 3 Points
- Second Yellow Card - 7 Points
- Straight Red Card - 7 Points
When an individual receives a second yellow card, the club will receive a maximum of seven points total.
A club can only receive a maximum of seven points for any individual incident.
