LAFC clinch Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs spot

LAFC clinch Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs spotBy MLSsoccer staffLAFC have qualified for the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, clinching their spot following a 2-2 draw vs. arch-rivals LA Galaxy on Sunday.With two regular-season matches left, the Black & Gold are sixth in the Western Conference table (47 points; 12W-9L-11D).After parting ways with head coach Marc Dos Santos in late September, LAFC are led by interim head coach Xavi Tamarit. LAFC won MLS Cup presented by Audi in 2022, beating the Philadelphia Union on penalty kicks. They also made the final in 2023 before falling to the Columbus Crew.Star playersStar forwards Son Heung-Min and Denis Bouanga form a dynamic duo for LAFC, combining for 25g/24a. Bouanga recently became the second player in MLS history to score at least 80 goals over four seasons. Meanwhile, Son brings extensive Premier League and South Korea international experience into the postseason.French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has posted 12 clean sheets this season, which is tied for third-best in the league. The 2018 FIFA World Cup champion backstops a defense led by Ryan Porteous and Aaron Long.This summer, midfielder Mathieu Choinière and winger Jacob Shaffelburg represented Canada at the 2026 World Cup.Audi 2026 MLS Cup PlayoffsMLS Cup presented by Audi will be played Dec. 18, while the playoffs begin Nov. 18 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.