Scenarios for Charlotte FC to Clinch Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoff Berth

With five matchdays remaining, Charlotte FC still hasn't clinched a playoff spot but sits tight in fifth with 46 points after a successful post-World Cup break.

If The Crown continues to win – they're in the playoffs. Nice and simple.

If they win out, they'd finish the regular season with 61 points and a Club record for regular-season points. If The Crown finished in third or higher, that'd also be their highest regular season finish in Club history.

Making the playoffs this season gives Charlotte FC their fourth consecutive postseason berth and makes Head Coach Dean Smith three-for-three in making the playoffs as the Gaffer.

Below are the official scenarios for Charlotte FC to make it into the playoffs beyond just winning matches and taking names, which will be updated every matchday until The Crown officially clinches a postseason spot:

Charlotte FC Clinching Scenarios:

Scenario One – Just Win at Philadelphia

The easiest way for Charlotte FC to make the playoffs is to win. Just win.

What lies in front of Charlotte FC to accomplish that task is the hottest team in MLS, the Philadelphia Union. Philadelphia has gone unbeaten since the World Cup break ended, going 12-0-2 and winning eight consecutive matches.

The Crown have beaten Philadelphia this season, doing so on April 4 in a 2-1 victory. Ashley Westwood and former winger Wilfried Zaha combined to score twice, including the latter goal coming two minutes after an equalizer from the Union.

If Charlotte FC can sweep the season series and beat Philadelphia at Subaru Park in Chester, Pa., The Crown will yet again be in the playoffs.

Scenario Two – Tie and Hope for Draws and Losses

The second way Charlotte FC can make their way into the playoffs is securing a draw against Philadelphia, which would be the Union’s third draw since the end of July. A draw would also end Philadelphia’s eight-match win streak and stop them one short of tying The Crown’s MLS record-tying nine-match win streak in 2025.

In combination with a draw against Philadelphia, Charlotte FC would also need D.C. United to lose or draw against Orlando City SC. The match has playoff implications for both teams, as Orlando is sitting just outside of the wild card in seventh while United is three points outside of a wild card spot.

In another match with playoff implications, The Crown need Toronto FC to either lose or draw with Red Bull New York. Red Bulls are in eighth place with 36 points, while Toronto has 33 points and is in 11th place looking to take the wild card spot from New York.

Across the New Jersey-New York state border is another matchup where Charlotte FC needs a result. New York City FC needs to lose or draw against Los Angeles FC, which would hamper City’s playoff chances as they sit in 10th place with 33 points.

Scenario Three – Tie and Hope for Draws and Losses Plus Hell is Real

The final way Charlotte FC can clinch a playoff spot is drawing with Philadelphia with the addition of a draw in the Hell is Real Derby between FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew on Sunday and a D.C. United draw. Unlike in Scenario Two where United could lose or draw in combination with the other factors, they have to draw against against Orlando City for this scenario to occur. However, the conditions for Toronto FC and New York City FC having to lose or draw remain the same.

Bonus Scenario - Charlotte FC Hosts a Home Playoff Match

Should Charlotte FC beat Philadelphia Union and Red Bull New York also lose to Toronto FC, The Crown would at worst be the eighth seed in the playoffs. This clinches a home playoff match for Charlotte FC whether that's in the Wild Card round or in the First Round of the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.

In this case, stay tuned for ticket on-sale details as early as Monday, October 19.