FC Cincinnati qualifies for the MLS Cup Playoffs by earning enough points during the 34-game regular season to finish in the top 9 of the Eastern Conference standings. With 15 teams per conference and 9 playoff spots, more than half the conference qualifies.
Finishing position matters significantly. The top seed earns a first-round bye, seeds 2-7 host first-round matches, and seeds 8-9 play Wild Card matches.