Miami, Nashville top MLS Power Rankings ahead of Decision Day
Lionel Messi scored and assisted as Inter Miami rallied to keep second place alive, while Nashville SC forced two own goals to stay atop the Eastern Conference.
By Olivia Reed ·
Inter Miami and Nashville SC held the top two spots in the Eastern Conference as the Major League Soccer regular season enters its final week. The standings tightened on Sunday night, with both leaders securing results that keep their playoff seeding hopes alive.
Nashville fell behind two goals to Red Bull New York in a rainy match but recovered to win 3-2. The team forced two own goals and relied on a stoppage-time header from Sam Surridge for the winner. Nashville now matches Miami's points total, though they could extend the lead with a point in their final game.
Miami reclaimed the second-place position in the East after a 2-1 victory over New England. The Revs had a four-game win streak but dropped to third after the loss. Lionel Messi provided the difference with his 26th goal of the season and an assist to Germán Berterame. Berterame headed the ball to level the score, then Messi finished low past goalkeeper Matt Turner after evading several defenders.
New England's Dániel Gazdag found the net in the loss, extending his scoring streak to two games. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls were eliminated from the playoffs for a second straight season, a first for the franchise in its history. The loss came after they held a 2-0 lead in Tennessee before the late-game collapse.
In the Western Conference, Vancouver Whitecaps sit in first place following a 5-1 win over Seattle. Brian White scored two goals in that match, the first coming in the 56th minute. The Whitecaps face Montréal in their final game, aiming to maintain momentum into the postseason. Seattle dropped to 13th place, sitting one spot outside the wildcard contention after losing to Houston and Vancouver in recent weeks.
Chicago Fire moved up to fifth in the East after a 4-2 win in Colorado. Robert Lewandowski scored and assisted after entering as a substitute, helping end a six-game scoreless streak. The Fire remain in contention for a home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Other results reshuffled the standings for the final weekend. St. Louis lost 1-0 to San Diego, losing home-field advantage despite already securing a playoff spot. FC Dallas drew 1-1 with Sporting Kansas City, keeping their bid for second place in the West alive. LAFC lost 3-1 to Minnesota and faces the Sounders on Decision Day.
The schedule for the final weekend will determine the final playoff bracket. Miami plays its last match with points on the line, while Nashville looks to break the tie. In the West, Vancouver, Seattle, and Dallas will compete for the top three spots. Orlando City has already clinched the final wildcard position after its 4-0 loss to Charlotte, though it must play New England to finish the season.
Decision Day occurs next week, with all remaining matches scheduled to conclude the regular season. Teams currently on the bubble will need specific results to advance, while those locked in will fight for seeding. The final standings will dictate the playoff matchups and home-field advantages for the postseason.
The power rankings reflect the current standings as of Monday, November 2, 2026. Nashville and Miami lead the East, while Vancouver leads the West. The next seven days will finalize the 16 teams that advance to the MLS Cup playoffs.
Source: ESPN
