New York City will clinch a top-four seed in the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs IF:
- New York City win or tie vs. Philadelphia
or:
- Atlanta lose or tie vs. Cincinnati AND
- Orlando lose or tie vs. Montréal AND
- New York lose or tie vs. Nashville
or:
- Atlanta lose or tie vs. Cincinnati AND
- Orlando lose or tie vs. Montréal AND
- New York City win goal differential vs. New York