A potential Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs preview awaits when Eastern Conference contenders Chicago Fire FC host the New England Revolution on Sunday.
How to watch & stream
When
- Sunday, Sept. 13 | 5:30 pm ET/2:30 pm PT
Where
- Soldier Field | Chicago, Illinois
Standings
- 4th in Eastern Conference
- 39 points (11W-6L-6D)
Last game
Chicago drew a club-record crowd (63,094 fans) to Soldier Field on Wednesday night to witness their fourth straight draw, a 1-1 stalemate against reigning MLS Cup presented by Audi champions Inter Miami CF.
Polish superstar Robert Lewandowski scored his sixth goal in nine games since joining the club, volleying an acrobatic finish off Andrew Gutman's pinpoint cross.
Players to watch
- Robert Lewandowski: One of the greatest goalscorers of his generation, who's tallied more than 700 goals for club and country, joined in the summer from FC Barcelona.
- Philip Zinckernagel: A two-time MLS All-Star, Zinckernagel (5g/9a) recently inked a new deal to make him a Designated Player in Chicago.
- Chris Brady: Part of the USMNT's 2026 FIFA World Cup roster, the homegrown goalkeeper is fresh off a Team of the Matchday performance on Wednesday.
- Anton Salétros: The veteran Swedish midfielder links Chicago and is an underrated part of their climb up the table.
Need to know
With Lewandowski (6g/2a) leading the way, Chicago are on a seven-game unbeaten streak in MLS play. Since the Polish legend's arrival, the Fire have gone 6W-2L-4D across all competitions.
In peak form with 3g/2a in his last three matches, Lewandowski has also brought the best out of Maren Haile-Selassie, who has 3g/1a over that same span.
Now, Chicago can reclaim third place in the Eastern Conference with a victory over New England. All the while, they're chasing a second straight Audi MLS Cup Playoffs berth under head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter.
Standings
- 3rd in Eastern Conference
- 40 points (12W-8L-4D)
Last game
New England leapfrogged Chicago in the Eastern Conference table with a dramatic 2-1 victory at New York City FC on Wednesday night.
Revs captain Carles Gil opened the scoring from the penalty spot before recent addition Dániel Gazdag netted his first goal for the club in second-half stoppage time to secure three points.
Players to watch
- Carles Gil: A former Landon Donovan MLS MVP, the team's leading scorer (10g/8a) is at the heart of everything in attack.
- Jack Harrison: The former NYCFC standout and Premier League winger has returned to MLS in peak form, contributing six assists in six starts for New England.
- Peyton Miller: Recently earning a contract extension in New England, the homegrown US youth international is a cornerstone on the left side.
- Matt Turner: Coming off his second consecutive World Cup with the USMNT, the former MLS Goalkeeper of the Year recently renewed his loan from Lyon.
Need to know
Gil, now the 20th player in MLS history with at least 150 league goal contributions, has been gifted with more attacking partners via the transfer market.
Jack Harrison is the Revs' newest Designated Player, arriving in late July from EPL side Leeds United. Just after Deadline Day, Gazdag was signed following his mutual contract termination with the Columbus Crew.
Crucially, Harrison and Gazdag have both hit the ground running. Those newcomers will be key if New England earn a home playoff spot and return to the postseason under first-year head coach Marko Mitrović.
Chicago are favored at home with 55% of the market, compared to 26% for New England.
Market insights shared are current as of Thursday, Sept. 10 at 1:30 pm ET.
