2026 MLS season playoff races and streaks

MLS teams battle for playoff berths and extend or end unbeaten streaks as the regular season winds down.

4 stories65 sourcesUpdated Oct 18, 2026

In this storyline:Kansas Jayhawks Lionel Messi Milan Iloski

2026 MLS season playoff races and streaks — Photo: Bryan Berlin / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Oct 16, 11 AMdots mark key developments · hover for any hourOct 18, 1 AM

Key developments

Oct 17, 2026
Minnesota United ended St. Louis City SC's 19-match unbeaten streak.
7 sources on this →
Oct 17, 2026
Inter Miami clinched a playoff berth with a win over New York City FC.
40 sources on this →
Oct 17, 2026
Charlotte FC drew 2-2 with the Philadelphia Union, ending the Union's eight-game win streak but extending its unbeaten run to 15.
9 sources on this →
Oct 17, 2026
No. 19 Kansas beat Iowa State 1-0 on a late goal to extend its winning streak to three.
9 sources on this →

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Sports

Minnesota United ends St. Louis' 19-match unbeaten streak

St. Louis City SC carried a record 21-match unbeaten streak across all competitions into its October 17 match against Minnesota United, after securing a playoff berth. A win or draw would extend the run and set an MLS regular-season unbeaten record, while Minnesota entered the matchup amid an eight-game winless stretch.

7 sources

Sports

Inter Miami Clinches Playoff Berth With Win

With the 2026 MLS playoffs approaching, Wednesday’s results could send several teams into the postseason, while Nashville also has a chance to clinch the Eastern Conference’s top seed. Inter Miami can secure a playoff place with a win over New York City FC, which needs points to strengthen its own postseason hopes.

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Charlotte ends Union win streak but unbeaten run reaches 15

Charlotte FC and the Philadelphia Union drew 2-2, ending Philadelphia’s eight-game winning streak while extending its club-record unbeaten run to 15 matches. Idan Toklomati scored and assisted for Charlotte, and Bruno Damiani’s second-half goal earned the Union a point.

9 sources

Sports

No. 19 Kansas scores in 87th minute to beat Iowa State 1-0

No. 19 Kansas beat Iowa State 1-0 on Marit McLaughlin’s 87th-minute goal off a Livvy Moore corner, extending the Jayhawks’ winning streak to three. Iowa State remained winless in Big 12 play.

9 sources