Matchday 31: Who can clinch playoffs or be eliminated?

As Matchday 31 approaches, six teams have the opportunity to secure a spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs. However, just one team faces the threat of elimination from the competition. Nashville SC stands at the precipice of history, with the chance to clinch both the Supporters' Shield and the top Eastern Conference seed.

In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Fire FC need to secure victory or a draw against New England, or face a loss or draw against D.C. United, D.C. United drawing against Orlando, or Cincinnati drawing against Columbus. Charlotte FC can secure their playoff spot if they win against Philadelphia, draw against Philadelphia while D.C. United loses against Orlando, or draw against Philadelphia while Cincinnati also draws against Columbus, with Toronto drawing against New York and New York City losing against LAFC.

For the Philadelphia Union, a victory against Charlotte and a Cincinnati loss or draw against Columbus could secure their spot. Alternatively, a win against Charlotte and a D.C. United loss or draw against Orlando could clinch it. Charlotte FC's path to the playoffs includes a win against Philadelphia, a Cincinnati draw against Columbus, D.C. United losing against Orlando, or a draw against Toronto while New York City also loses against LAFC.

In the Western Conference, the San Jose Earthquakes can secure their playoff berth by winning against Nashville, or in the case of a draw against Nashville, San Diego drawing against LA and Portland facing a loss or draw against Colorado. Houston Dynamo FC have multiple paths to the playoffs, including a win against Dallas, a Houston draw against Dallas paired with San Diego drawing against LA and Portland facing a loss or draw against Colorado, or a combination of Portland's loss against Colorado and Salt Lake City's loss against Kansas City, among other scenarios.

LAFC's fortunes will hinge on a victory against New York City while San Diego draws against LA, or a win against New York City while San Diego loses against LA and Portland faces a loss or draw against Colorado. For the Supporters' Shield and No. 1 seed, Nashville SC needs a win against San Jose or a draw against San Jose, with additional conditions if they manage to secure a win or draw against other teams throughout the weekend.

Meanwhile, Montréal FC risk elimination from playoff contention if they lose against Seattle, or if they draw against Seattle while New York City wins against Toronto, or if they draw against Seattle while Cincinnati wins against Columbus and D.C. United also wins against Orlando, and Atlanta wins against Miami, among other complex elimination scenarios.