Orlando City has officially clinched a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs for the seventh consecutive season after both Toronto FC and Red Bull New York failed to win on Sunday. The Lions (12-14-7, 43 points) currently occupy the ninth spot in the standings, which would leave them in the wild-card round if nothing changes.
Orlando finished in ninth place last season, falling to the Chicago Fire in the wild-card game 3-1. Their best run in the postseason came in 2025, when they lost in the Eastern Conference Final to Red Bull New York 1-0 at home. The Lions have never won MLS Cup or made it to the MLS Cup Final.
If the Lions beat the New England Revolution at home on Decision Day, they will still need other results to go their way in order to avoid the wild-card round. FC Cincinnati, currently in seventh place with 46 points, would need to lose to Nashville for Orlando to overtake them.
The Columbus Crew, in eighth place with 44 points, would need to draw or lose against Chicago. Orlando could jump Columbus with a draw if Columbus loses to Chicago, giving Orlando the chance to host the wild-card game instead of going on the road.
If Orlando City loses to New England, they will travel to take on whichever team finished in eighth place. If it is Columbus, it will be the third time the sides meet in 2026. Orlando won 3-2 at home on Oct. 10, but lost on the road in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinal 2-1 on Sept. 16.
FC Cincinnati would be an even tougher matchup, especially after the Lions lost 6-2 at TQL Stadium on May 23 before the World Cup break. The two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Inter.co Stadium in August.
Orlando City will face either Inter Miami or New England if they finish in seventh place. If they make the wild-card game and win, they will travel to take on the Supporters’ Shield-winning Nashville SC, who tied the record for most points in a season with their win over Red Bull New York on Sunday.
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