Matchday 34 of the 2026 MLS season is the second-to-last one, with Matchday 35 serving as Decision Day. Six teams from the Eastern Conference and six from the West had already clinched playoff spots, leaving three places on each side still available.
Eastern Conference race
Charlotte FC had beaten CF Montréal 4–0, and Liel Abada scored a hat trick. Orlando City drew 2–2 with Chicago Fire on Wednesday at Soldier Field.
New York City FC beat Atlanta United 2–1 at home and remained in playoff contention after the win. Atlanta United were eliminated from playoff contention by the loss.
Philadelphia Union drew away to Supporters’ Shield winners Nashville SC in a match, and the result clinched a playoff spot for the Philadelphia Union. Cavan Sullivan did not play for the Philadelphia Union against Nashville SC.
Other Eastern Conference positions
Toronto FC beat D.C. United 2-1 after coming back from 1-0 down. Red Bull New York were fighting against elimination, but lost 3-2 to the New England Revolution after coming back from 2-0 down.
Nashville SC had already locked down the top seed in the Eastern Conference for the playoffs. Inter Miami and New England Revolution were No. 3 and No. 2 respectively in the Eastern Conference entering their Sunday meeting, according to Sports Illustrated's preview.
Western Conference picture
St. Louis City lost 3-2 to Portland on Wednesday. Vancouver Whitecaps beat San Diego FC 4–1 on Wednesday and had already won the 2026 Cascadia Cup.
San Jose had already clinched the playoffs. LAFC had already clinched the playoffs, and Houston Dynamo had already clinched a playoff spot in the Western Conference. LA Galaxy were sitting just outside the playoff line and desperately needed three points to crack a Wild Card match spot.
Minnesota United needed a victory on Sunday. Austin FC had won one of their last seven matches, while Sporting Kansas City were winless in their last four matches and had conceded 12 goals in that span.
