Seattle Sounders FC have qualified for the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, clinching their spot with a 2-1 win vs. LAFC on Decision Day.

Seattle finished eighth in the Western Conference standings (46 points; 12W-12L-10D). They will host No. 9 Real Salt Lake in the Wild Card match.

The Sounders are two-time MLS Cup presented by Audi champions, lifting the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy in 2016 and 2019.

Now, they’re aiming to make another deep postseason run under longtime head coach Brian Schmetzer.

Star players

Seattle endured a difficult summer before recalibrating, boosted by star striker Dejan Joveljić arriving from Sporting Kansas City in a blockbuster trade.

The Serbian international has provided another goalscoring threat alongside club legend Jordan Morris, who became Seattle’s all-time regular-season goals leader earlier this year.

Albert Rusnák is a driving force in Seattle’s attack with a team-high 16 assists, while US international Cristian Roldan’s return from injury has helped stabilize the midfield alongside offseason signing Hassani Dotson.

The Sounders will hope their renewed form carries into the postseason as they pursue a third MLS Cup title under Schmetzer.

Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs

MLS Cup presented by Audi will be played Dec. 18, while the playoffs begin Nov. 19 with Wild Card matches.

• Seeds 1-7 in each conference qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 Series.
• Seeds 8-9 in each conference qualify for the Wild Card matches.
• Seeds 10-15 in each conference do not qualify for the postseason.

All games can be viewed on Apple TV.