The Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs begin when Antoine Griezmann and Orlando City (No. 8) host Evander-led FC Cincinnati (No. 9) in the Eastern Conference Wild Card match.
How to watch & stream
When
- Thursday, Nov. 19 | 7:30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT
Where
- Inter.co Stadium | Orlando, Florida
The winner advances to a Round One Best-of-3 Series against Supporters' Shield champions Nashville SC, starting with Game 1 on Nov. 22.
If the match is tied after 90 minutes, it will go directly to a penalty-kick shootout with no extra time.
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- Standings: Eastern Conference No. 8
- Regular season: 46 points (13W-14L-7D)
Orlando extended their MLS-best playoff streak to seven consecutive seasons (since 2020), despite a slow start that saw MartÃn Perelman named interim head coach in early March.
The Lions grew into a remarkable second-half turnaround, largely thanks to Griezmann. Since arriving in July from Atlético Madrid, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has produced 14g/8a in 18 matches during a record-breaking debut season.
The French icon has shown impressive chemistry with Justin Ellis, the 19-year-old homegrown forward whose breakout season has earned US men's national team opportunities. MartÃn Ojeda, Orlando's all-time leading scorer, proved key yet again with 16g/5a this season.
Canadian international goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau finished the season with 137 saves, fourth-most in MLS, and started at the 2026 World Cup this summer.
- Standings: Eastern Conference No. 9
- Regular season: 46 points (12W-12L-10D)
During an up-and-down year, FC Cincinnati found late-season momentum to clinch the East's final playoff berth.
The Orange & Blue can score in bunches, as shown by their 67 goals scored (fourth-most in MLS). Their star Designated Players led those efforts, with Evander tallying a team-best 31 goal contributions (14g/17a) and Kévin Denkey scoring a team-best 17 goals.
But defensive issues proved troublesome, with Cincinnati allowing 75 goals (third-most in MLS). Injuries and form ensured center-back rotation, and USMNT defender Miles Robinson made just 21 appearances.
What version of head coach Pat Noonan's side will we see?
