The LA Galaxy head to Real Salt Lake for Decision Day on November 7 (kickoff at 4PM PT on Apple TV) with a chance to clinch an Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoff berth.
The Galaxy are finding great form at the right time as they enter Decision Day, with two wins and two draws from their last four. The team has 18 points from their last 10 matches, tied with FC Dallas for the most in the Western Conference over the same period. This run has elevated the Galaxy into 7th in the table, putting the team’s postseason fate entirely in their own hands.
The top nine (9) in the conference make the playoffs, with the 8th place hosting 9th in a single-elimination Wild Card game on Thursday, November 19, the winner of which will advance to face the top-seeded Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
The highest the Galaxy can finish is 7th in the Western Conference. The easiest route for the Galaxy into the playoffs is a win. This would send the team directly into the Round One Best-of-3 Series against second place, currently occupied by FC Dallas. Should the Galaxy play the Round One Best-of-3 series, their first game would be away, the second back home at Dignity Health Sports Park and the third, if necessary, on the road.
A draw in Salt Lake could also be enough to see the Galaxy enter the playoffs if at least one of the Timbers, Rapids or Sounders also drop points on the final day. A Galaxy loss would require two of Portland, Colorado or Seattle to lose with Minnesota drawing or losing as well for the Galaxy to earn a postseason berth. If Minnesota wins and the Galaxy lose, all three of Portland, Colorado, and Seattle would need to lose.
If points are tied between teams, the first tiebreaker is wins, followed by goal difference.
Entering the final regular season match, the standings are as follows:
7. LA Galaxy – 44 points (11 wins), -6GD
8. Portland Timbers – 43 points (12 wins), -1GD
9. Colorado Rapids – 43 points (12 wins), -1GD
10. Seattle Sounders FC – 43 points (11 wins), -3GD
11. Real Salt Lake – 42 points (12 wins), 0GD
12. Minnesota United FC – 41 points (10 wins), -4GD
Per Major League Soccer, the LA Galaxy clinch an Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs berth with:
- LA Galaxy WIN at Real Salt Lake OR
- LA Galaxy DRAW at Real Salt Lake AND Seattle Sounders FC LOSS/DRAW vs. LAFC OR
- LA Galaxy DRAW at Real Salt Lake AND Portland Timbers LOSS/DRAW at Austin FC OR
- LA Galaxy DRAW at Real Salt Lake AND Colorado Rapids LOSS/DRAW at FC Dallas OR
- Seattle Sounders FC LOSS vs. LAFC AND Portland Timbers LOSS at Austin FC AND Colorado Rapids LOSS at FC Dallas OR
- Seattle Sounders FC LOSS vs. LAFC AND Portland Timbers LOSS at Austin FC AND Minnesota United FC LOSS/DRAW vs. San Jose Earthquakes OR
- Seattle Sounders FC LOSS vs. LAFC AND Colorado Rapids LOSS at FC Dallas AND Minnesota United FC LOSS/DRAW vs. San Jose Earthquakes OR
- Portland Timbers LOSS at Austin FC AND Colorado Rapids LOSS at FC Dallas AND Minnesota United FC LOSS/DRAW vs. San Jose Earthquakes
