The Portland Timbers have qualified for the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, clinching their spot with a 2-0 win at Austin FC on Decision Day.
Portland finished seventh in the Western Conference (46 points; 13W-14L-7D). They will meet No. 2 FC Dallas in their Round One Best-of-3 Series.
Under head coach Martà Cifuentes, who took over following Phil Neville's midseason departure, the Timbers have reached the postseason for the third straight year.
Portland won MLS Cup presented by Audi in 2015 and also reached the final in 2018 and 2021.
Star players
Norwegian winger Kristoffer Velde leads Portland’s attack with a team-high 12g/10a.
Portuguese playmaker David Da Costa has supplied a team-leading 11 assists, and midfielder Cole Bassett has added an attacking spark since arriving from the Colorado Rapids with 3g/10a.
Vincent Janssen, who represented the Netherlands at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is Portland's starting striker following Kevin Kelsy's midseason transfer to Scottish Premiership powerhouse Rangers FC.Â
Canadian goalkeeper James Pantemis has been a mainstay between the posts, posting three clean sheets. New Zealand international and 2026 World Cup veteran Finn Surman anchors the backline.
Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs
MLS Cup presented by Audi will be played Dec. 18, while the playoffs begin Nov. 19 with Wild Card matches.
- Seeds 1-7 in each conference qualify for the Round One Best-of-3 Series.
- Seeds 8-9 in each conference qualify for the Wild Card matches.
- Seeds 10-15 in each conference do not qualify for the postseason.
All games can be viewed on Apple TV.
⚽ 🏆 Think You’ve Got the Winning Bracket?!
The Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge is now open. Make your picks, build your bracket, and compete for your chance to win.
