Chicago Fire Clinch 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs Spot for Second Straight Year
CHICAGO — Chicago is a city in Cook County, Illinois. Chicago Fire FC clinched a spot in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs on Saturday, October 17. With four regular-season matches left, the Fire are fourth in the Eastern Conference with 48 points (14 wins, 6 draws, 10 losses), reaching the playoffs in both seasons under head coach and director of football Gregg Berhalter, MLSsoccer.com reported.
Chicago's headline signing this season is Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, who arrived in July and has tallied six goals and four assists. South African international Mbekezeli Mbokazi has compiled a Best XI-caliber season at center back and logged a breakout performance at this summer's World Cup. Two-time MLS All-Star Philip Zinckernagel (six goals, 10 assists) and top scorer Maren Haile-Selassie (11 goals, 10 assists) power the attack, while homegrown goalkeeper Chris Brady anchors the defense.
Berhalter's stated mission is to bring silverware back to Chicago ahead of the club's new stadium, McDonald's Park, opening in 2028. The Fire are the 1998 MLS Cup champions and four-time U.S. Open Cup winners. The 2026 MLS Cup will be played December 18, with the playoffs beginning November 18 with Wild Card matches. (GSM, based on MLSsoccer.com reporting)
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：芝加哥 Soldier Field 球场（资料图）。图片来源：Wikimedia Commons。Photo: Soldier Field, Chicago (file photo). Source: Wikimedia Commons.
