2026 MLS Wild Card Games Schedule: Matchups, Kickoff Times, and TV Channels
The 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs are officially set following an exciting Decision Day that determined the final postseason positions in both conferences. A total of 18 teams have qualified for the playoffs, with nine clubs from the Eastern Conference and nine from the Western Conference competing for the championship.
The regular-season finale delivered plenty of drama, as Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Real Salt Lake secured their postseason spots in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference standings also experienced significant changes, setting up several exciting playoff matchups.
The 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs will begin on November 19 with two Wild Card matches. Round One will follow on November 20, as teams begin their pursuit of the MLS Cup title.
2026 MLS Wild Card Games Schedule
The two Wild Card matches are scheduled as follows:
Thursday, November 19: Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake – 10 p.m. ET at Lumen Field (Apple TV).
Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati: Kickoff Time and TV Channel
Orlando City will host FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference Wild Card match on November 19, 2026.
The game will take place at Inter&Co Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Both clubs will be looking to secure a victory and advance to Round One.
Fans can watch the matchup live on Apple TV.
Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake: Kickoff Time and TV Channel
Seattle Sounders will face Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference Wild Card game on Thursday, November 19.
The match is scheduled to take place at Lumen Field, with kickoff set for 10 p.m. ET.
Seattle will look to take advantage of its home-field advantage, while Real Salt Lake will aim to continue its postseason campaign with a crucial away victory.
The game will also be available on Apple TV.
What Happens After the MLS Wild Card Round?
The winners of both Wild Card matches will advance to Round One of the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Orlando City or FC Cincinnati will face Nashville SC, while Seattle Sounders or Real Salt Lake will meet Vancouver Whitecaps.
Round One begins November 20 and features best-of-three series. The winning teams will continue their championship pursuit through the conference semifinals and finals before the MLS Cup Final on December 18.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When are the 2026 MLS Wild Card games?
Both Wild Card matches will take place on Thursday, November 19, 2026.
Which teams are playing in the MLS Wild Card round?
Orlando City will face FC Cincinnati, while Seattle Sounders will take on Real Salt Lake.
What time is Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati?
The match begins at 7:30 p.m. ET at Inter&Co Stadium.
What time is Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake?
The match kicks off at 10 p.m. ET at Lumen Field.
Where can I watch the 2026 MLS Wild Card games?
Both matches are scheduled to air on Apple TV.
What is the MLS Wild Card playoff format?
The Wild Card round uses a single-elimination format. The winners advance to Round One, while the losing teams are eliminated.
When does MLS Round One begin?
Round One of the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs begins on November 20, 2026.
Who will the Wild Card winners face in Round One?
The Orlando City vs. FC Cincinnati winner will face Nashville SC, while the Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake winner will meet Vancouver Whitecaps.
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