Toronto FC’s playoff hopes officially ended Sunday following a 3-1 loss to Atlanta United FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, extending the club’s postseason drought to six consecutive seasons. The result leaves Toronto with a 9-12-12 record, failing to capitalize on a late-season stretch where they had earned points in four of their previous five matches, according to reports from Sportsnet.ca and The Globe and Mail.
Atlanta United clinches victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Atlanta United (9-18-6) established control early, snapping a six-game winless run at home. Miguel Almiron opened the scoring in the 22nd minute after a give-and-go with Alexey Miranchuk, poking the ball through goalkeeper Luka Gavran’s legs. Cooper Sanchez doubled the lead in the 40th minute following an assist from Almiron, and Miranchuk added a third goal in the 51st minute after collecting a rebound off the post.
Toronto FC get their 1st goal of the game, shortening Atlanta’s lead at 3-1. 🍁🎯 #TFCLiveLewis Morgan with his 3rd for TFC.3 goals still needed to save the playoff dream. https://t.co/PqUGL0l1DD pic.twitter.com/CP0KoL64sL
Toronto’s lone response came in the 79th minute when substitute Lewis Morgan scored on a volley from inside the box. Despite the late effort, the team was unable to mount a comeback, continuing a difficult history at Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the club remains 0-5-5 since October 2017.
Coaching and leadership reflect on missed postseason
Head coach Robin Fraser described the result as a source of deep disappointment, noting that the team’s performance throughout the year suggested they were capable of reaching the playoffs. Fraser highlighted injuries during the first half of the season as a primary obstacle that forced the team to play with a sense of desperation in the latter stages of the campaign.
"If we give up goals early, it just feels so desperate late in games," Fraser told reporters, as noted by Waking The Red. "I think we are better than what we showed at times. I just think too many first halves got us this year."
Captain Jonathan Osorio echoed those sentiments, acknowledging that the squad felt they had the quality to compete for a postseason spot. "We wanted more out of ourselves, we expected more, and unfortunately we let ourselves down," Osorio said. "And we let the fans down."
Remaining schedule for Toronto and Atlanta
Toronto FC is scheduled to conclude its season on the road against the Philadelphia Union this Saturday. Atlanta United will also play its final match of the campaign on Saturday, traveling to face the New York Red Bulls. Both clubs enter these final fixtures eliminated from playoff contention.
Frequently asked questions about the 2026 season
How long has Toronto FC been missing the playoffs?
Following this loss, Toronto FC’s postseason drought has reached six consecutive seasons. The club has not qualified for the playoffs since 2020.
What was the final score in Atlanta?
Atlanta United defeated Toronto FC 3-1. While Lewis Morgan scored for Toronto in the 79th minute, the team only managed one goal from three shots on target.
What is the significance of the upcoming match against Philadelphia?
The game against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday marks the final match of the season for Toronto FC. While the result will not impact the playoff standings, it serves as the team’s last opportunity to secure points before entering the off-season.