Seven Straight. The Lions Are Back.
Orlando City has clinched a spot in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs, securing its seventh consecutive postseason appearance following results around the league on Sunday, November 1.
That gives the Lions the longest active playoff streak in MLS, with Orlando qualifying every year since its first postseason appearance in 2020. Through the changes and difficult stretches, the club has kept that run alive.
For the city, it means another chance to get behind the purple and gold when the stakes rise. For the team, qualification is the starting point. What Orlando does with this opportunity comes next.
A Playoff Berth With Unfinished Business
The celebration comes after a difficult weekend.
Orlando suffered a 4-0 defeat at Charlotte FC on Saturday, a result that exposed the work still ahead before the postseason. The loss also ended a run of 25 consecutive matches across all competitions in which the Lions scored, according to the club’s match report.
That attacking consistency gives supporters something to believe in. Turning it into playoff success will require a sharper, more complete performance when the next opportunity arrives.
Following the Charlotte match, interim head coach Martín Perelman pointed to the resilience his team has shown through difficult stretches this season and its responsibility to respond.
That response becomes the next chapter. Orlando has earned another postseason opportunity. Now the Lions need to build momentum behind it.
It’s hunting season 😈 Following today’s results around the league, we’ve officially clinched our spot in the Audi 2026 @MLS Cup Playoffs for the seventh consecutive season, the longest active streak in MLS 🦁 https://t.co/yeDqzelSKa
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 1, 2026
Antoine Griezmann Gives Orlando Another Reason to Watch
Antoine Griezmann’s arrival has added a major name to Orlando’s attack and another reason for the city to pay attention.
The French World Cup winner joined from Atlético Madrid during the summer, bringing experience on some of soccer’s biggest stages into a team preparing for another postseason test.
His influence was on display in Orlando’s October 28 match at Chicago, where he contributed a goal and an assist in a 2-2 draw.
For fans getting familiar with Orlando City, Griezmann is an easy entry point. The bigger story is whether the Lions can put their pieces together for a run that takes them further.
Orlando City vs. New England: Decision Day Still Matters
The playoff place is secured. Orlando’s final seed and opening matchup remain unsettled as of November 2. The Lions enter the final week ninth in the Eastern Conference with 43 points.
Next up is a home meeting with the New England Revolution at Inter&Co Stadium on Saturday, November 7, at 4 p.m. ET, available to watch on Apple TV.
That gives Orlando one more regular season opportunity to respond in front of its supporters. After the Charlotte defeat, a stronger performance would provide a welcome lift heading into the postseason.
For the home crowd, this is the next date to circle. There is still something to play for before the bracket is finalized.
What Comes Next in the 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs?
Under the announced format, the top seven teams in each conference advance directly to the Round One Best-of-3 Series. The eighth- and ninth-place teams meet in a single Wild Card match.
The postseason begins with Wild Card matches on November 18. Orlando’s final placement will determine its route as the club continues its pursuit of a first MLS Cup appearance.
Orlando Has a Team to Get Behind
Seven straight playoff appearances deserve recognition. Keeping that streak alive gives Orlando supporters another postseason to rally around, even after a regular season that has demanded patience.
There is room to celebrate this milestone and expect more from the Lions. November gives them the chance to deliver.
Orlando is back in the playoffs. Bring the purple.
Stay tuned to The Kitchen for more Orlando City coverage and updates from the sports, music, and culture shaping our city. The Orlando City 2026 MLS Playoffs run is going to be special.
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