The Philadelphia Union have qualified for the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, clinching their spot on Wednesday night.

With two regular-season matches left, the 2025 Supporters' Shield winners are sixth in the Eastern Conference standings (46 points; 13W-11L-7D).

After an inauspicious start to the 2026 campaign, which saw them fall to last place in the East and part ways with head coach Bradley Carnell, the Union have enjoyed a sensational turnaround since the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. They recently went unbeaten in 15 straight games under interim head coach Ryan Richter (12W-0L-3D).

Now, Philly have their sights set on making MLS Cup for the first time since 2022 and lifting their first-ever Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.

Star players

Cavan Sullivan has experienced a breakout campaign and set the MLS record for goal contributions by a teenager in a single season (7g/14a). The 17-year-old homegrown star also earned his first USMNT call-up and became the program's youngest-ever goalscorer, netting his first international goal against arch-rivals Mexico.

Milan Iloski leads the team with 25 goal contributions (18g/7a), and Uruguayan striker Bruno Damiani is in strong form with 11g/4a.

Jovan Lukić and Haitian international Danley Jean Jacques anchor the midfield, with the latter featuring at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Philly's youth movement is also evident in defense, where 19-year-old center back Neil Pierre and 20-year-old right back Frankie Westfield also just made their USMNT debuts. They're supported by Andre Blake, the only three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.

Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs

MLS Cup presented by Audi will be played Dec. 18, while the playoffs begin Nov. 18 with Wild Card matches.

• Seeds 1-7 in each conference qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 Series.
• Seeds 8-9 in each conference qualify for the Wild Card matches.
• Seeds 10-15 in each conference do not qualify for the postseason.

All games can be viewed on Apple TV.