With four matchdays remaining, Charlotte FC still hasn't clinched a playoff spot but sits tight in fifth with 47 points after a successful post-World Cup break.
If The Crown keeps winning, they're in the playoffs. Nice and simple.
If they win out, they'd finish the regular season with 56 points, the second-best point total in Club history. 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 – Secure a Point
The best way for Charlotte FC to clinch the playoffs would be to win against Montréal and lock up the spot of their own volition.
The Crown could also lock up a spot with a draw against Montréal. Simply, gaining points in any way sends Charlotte FC to the postseason. With Montréal eliminated from playoff contention, they have nothing to lose and will try to keep Charlotte FC from securing a point.
It'll be the second time that Charlotte FC and Montréal have played in the last 50 days, the first being on September 9, 2026, at Stade Saputo in Montréal in a 2-1 win for The Crown.
Scenario Two – Red Bull New York Secures A Point or Less
The second way Charlotte FC can make their way into the playoffs is by Red Bull New York drawing or losing against the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
It's a crucial match for both clubs who have different objectives of their own. New England holds second place right now in the Eastern Conference and looks to continue to secure the spot from the likes of Inter Miami CF and Chicago Fire FC.
Red Bull New York is looking to stay in the playoff picture entirely, sitting in ninth place with 39 points. Columbus is just one point behind them in 10th place and Toronto FC is three points outside of ninth place.
Scenario Three – Columbus Can't Beat Los Toros
The final way Charlotte FC can clinch a playoff spot is the Columbus Crew losing or drawing against FC Dallas on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m.
While FC Dallas has already booked their spot in the postseason, Columbus is trying to catch up to Red Bull New York and not let Toronto overtake them. What stands in their way of doing that is a Dallas team that is in second place in the Western Conference and has lost just once in the last 10 matches, that being to Charlotte FC.
Bonus Scenario - Charlotte FC Clinches a Top-Six Seed
In order for Charlotte FC to not only clinch a home playoff match but also stay out of the Wild Card round, they need to beat Montréal but also need FC Cincinnati and Orlando City SC to drop points.
That combination of results would put The Crown at 50 points and Orlando and Cincinnati with at most 43 points with no way to gain seven points in two matchdays.
Luckily for The Crown, both teams are playing top Eastern Conference competition in Inter Miami CF and Chicago Fire FC. Cincinnati will have their hands full trying to compete against a Miami team that is hot going into the playoffs while the same is true for Orlando going against Chicago.
If everything on paper goes the way it should, then things are in The Crown's favor for Wednesday. However, soccer is played on grass and each club will be fighting for three points.
Cincinnati and Orlando have yet to clinch playoff spots, including Cincinnati currently in eighth place and slotted to play in the Wild Card. Three points for both teams are crucial for their chances to play beyond Matchday 34.
In Simple Terms
Charlotte FC can clinch a spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs with any of the following outcomes on Wednesday:
- A Charlotte FC win or draw against CF Montréal
OR
- A New York Red Bulls loss or draw against New England Revolution (10/28, 7:30 p.m.)
OR
- A Columbus Crew loss or draw against FC Dallas (10/28, 8:30 p.m.)
Charlotte FC can clinch a top-six seed with:
- A Charlotte FC win against CF Montréal
AND
- A FC Cincinnati loss or draw against Inter Miami CF (10/28, 7:30 p.m.)
AND
- A Orlando City SC loss or draw against Chicago Fire FC (10/28, 8:30 p.m.)
OCTOBER 28 @ 7:30 PM // CHARLOTTE VS. MONTREAL
The Crown takes on CF Montreal in a mid-week matchup on Wednesday, October 28, at 7:30 PM at Bank of America Stadium during Fan Appreciation Week. Don't miss the last regular-season light show, presented by Duke Energy!
FAN APPRECIATION WEEK SCHEDULE
We're celebrating all week long with offers and activations For The Fans. Check out the schedule and stay tuned across our channels for additional surprises throughout the week!
