Major League Soccer has released the tiebreaker procedures that will determine final standings positions for the 2026 regular season. The league's tiebreaking criteria will be applied when two or more clubs finish level on points in the conference tables.
The announcement comes as MLS prepares for its 2026 campaign, which will feature an expanded schedule and continued growth across both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Tiebreaker rules are critical for determining playoff seeding, home-field advantage, and qualification for international competitions such as the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Standard MLS tiebreaker hierarchy typically begins with head-to-head results between tied teams, followed by goal differential, total goals scored, and disciplinary records. Additional criteria may include away goals, coin toss, or other league-specified methods if teams remain deadlocked after primary measures.
Clubs and supporters will monitor these procedures closely throughout the season, as tight races for postseason berths often hinge on the finest margins. The 2026 regular season is expected to kick off in late February or early March, with the MLS Cup playoffs following the conclusion of the 34-match regular season schedule.
